Open Fire MTG Card
2017-07-14 - Number 105
2020-08-13 - Number 169
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Open Fire deals 3 damage to target creature or player.
Some khenra archers fashion their arrows with a personal touch.
Cards like Open Fire
Open Fire stands out in the MTG realm of direct damage spells. It draws a close parallel to Lightning Strike, sharing the same damage output of 3 to any target for two mana. While Lightning Strike edges ahead with a cheaper cost and the same speed—an instant—Open Fire’s strong suit is its unconditional nature, hitting any target without restrictions.
Staring down the barrel, we see Searing Spear and Incinerate. Searing Spear mirrors Open Fire’s metrics, with an identical cost and damage, revealing its predecessor’s legacy. Incinerate carves its niche with a unique clause preventing regeneration, a tactical boon against decks that hinge on that strategy. However, Open Fire’s flexibility in target selection ensures it remains a staple in many player’s arsenals.
Assessing these similar spells, we grasp Open Fire’s value as a versatile and robust option for players crafting their deck with direct damage solutions. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a consistent choice for dealing decisive damage in a variety of situations on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Open Fire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Open Fire, players get direct damage output, enabling them to remove key threats from the board. This could potentially lead to card advantage if it removes a creature the opponent spent resources on.
Resource Acceleration: While Open Fire doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration, the swift removal of creatures could pave the way for quicker attacks and less defensive play from the opponents, indirectly speeding up your game plan.
Instant Speed: The power of operating at instant speed cannot be overstated. Open Fire can be used as a surprise during combat or at the end of an opponent’s turn, ensuring maximum flexibility and strategic depth during gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One drawback of Open Fire is its lack of impact on your hand size. Its straight damage output is efficient for the mana spent, but it doesn’t affect the cards in your hand, leaving you without the potential for card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Though Open Fire comes with a manageable mana cost, the requirement for specifically red mana can constrain its inclusion to decks that are heavy in red mana sources, possibly excluding it from more diverse mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Open Fire deals a set amount of damage that might not stack up favorably against other removal or burn options available. Players might find themselves opting for spells that offer more flexibility or additional effects for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Open Fire in Your Collection
Versatility: Open Fire offers a straightforward solution to a common problem: removing threats. This instant-speed spell can target creatures or players, making it a flexible choice for red decks that require both creature control and the capability to finish off opponents.
Combo Potential: With its ability to deal 3 damage to any target, Open Fire can synergize in decks that amplify spell damage or benefit from casting a quick instant. It’s also useful for triggering prowess-like abilities or cards that care about noncreature spells.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that sees a lot of creature-based aggro decks or where critical three-toughness creatures dominate, Open Fire can serve as an efficient and timely answer. Additionally, as a common card, it provides cost-effective interaction within limited formats or budget decks.
How to beat
Open Fire holds its ground in the realm of direct damage spells in MTG. As a versatile removal that deals 3 damage to any target, it embodies the straightforward aggression red decks are known for. Compared to similar spells like Lightning Strike or Shock, Open Fire demands one additional mana, which might appear as a drawback. Lightning Strike, for instance, deals the same damage for less mana but is limited to instant speed.
Conversely, we have cards like Searing Spear, which also deal 3 damage at an instant for one less mana. The key to outplaying Open Fire lies in its mana inefficiency. Utilizing lower-cost spells efficiently or countering it with cheap instants like Spell Pierce could nullify its impact significantly. Therefore, maintaining a strategic balance in your mana curve and keeping mana open for potential counters is crucial in overcoming an opponent’s Open Fire.
Overall, while Open Fire can be a game-changer with its flexibility, it is not without counters. Players can triumph over it by smartly managing mana and utilizing more cost-effective spells to maintain tempo and board control amidst the heated duels of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Open Fire MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Amonkhet Remastered, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Open Fire and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Open Fire Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Jason Kang.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-07-14 | Hour of Devastation | HOU | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Kang | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 169 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Kang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Open Fire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |