Pass the Torch MTG Card

Stealing creatures and generating Treasure tokens, Pass the Torch disrupts opponents and accelerates resources. Despite the versatility, its strict mana cost and discard requirement may hinder seamless deck integration. Pass the Torch shines in decks that exploit its creature-tapping and counter-passing synergy for board control.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant
Released	2022-06-02
Set symbol
Set name	Alchemy: New Capenna
Set code	YSNC
Number	11
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Behm

Text of card

Pass the Torch deals 2 damage to any target. Choose a creature card in your hand. It perpetually gains "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may cast target card named Pass the Torch from your graveyard without paying its mana cost. If you do, this creature perpetually loses this ability".

Cards like Pass the Torch

Pass the Torch is a versatile card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, with unique characteristics when lined up against similar cards. Comparable to Lightning Bolt, both cards enable players to deal damage directly to creatures or players. What sets Pass the Torch apart is its mentor mechanic, allowing the spell to essentially “train” another spell by copying the initial effect provided that the copied spell costs less. Lightning Bolt lacks this potential for growth and expansion and offers a straightforward, single instance of damage.

Another card worth mentioning in this context is Fork, which also copies a spell but does so with an instant-speed twist. While Fork can replicate any instant or sorcery regardless of the mana cost, it doesn’t facilitate the mentor ability that allows for the strategic scaling like Pass the Torch. The comparison underscores Pass the Torch’s ability to adapt over time and to potentially outpace the advantages provided by a one-time copy effect.

Evaluating these and other attributes, Pass the Torch presents a compelling option for MTG players looking to incorporate dynamic spellcasting and strategic growth into their decks, positioning it as a noteworthy addition to the arsenal of spell-copying mechanics.

Cards similar to Pass the Torch by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pass the Torch offers a significant edge by letting you temporarily steal control of target creature until end of turn. This disrupts your opponent’s plan and can lead to advantageous exchanges during combat.

Resource Acceleration: The spell also creates a Treasure token when cast during your main phase, which can be cashed in for any color of mana. This facilitates quicker deployment of your other cards and can be a pivotal play in accelerating your overall strategy.

Instant Speed: With the flexibility of being an instant, Pass the Torch can be a surprising twist during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, ensuring that your resources can be optimally utilized while keeping your opponent second-guessing your moves.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: “Pass the Torch” demands that you discard a card as part of its casting cost. This condition can be problematic, especially when your hand is nearly empty or the cards you hold are critical for your strategy. Your plan could falter if forced to relinquish a valuable resource.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost is not only specific but also diverse, mandating both red and white mana. This exact requirement can constrain its integration into multi-colored decks and proves particularly challenging for mono-colored builds, potentially interrupting the mana curve and flow of the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, “Pass the Torch” stands on the higher end of the spectrum for its effect. Considering its ability to redirect only a single instant or sorcery spell, players might find it less appealing compared to other counter or redirection spells which are more cost-effective or offer additional benefits.

Reasons to Include Pass the Torch in Your Collection

Versatility: Pass the Torch offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. It can be a game-changer in decks that require a mix of removal and temporary creature enhancements.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to pass on counters and tap a creature can synergize with strategies that manipulate or exploit those two mechanics, enabling interesting interactions and turns.

Meta-Relevance: In a game landscape that rewards control over the board and tempo, Pass the Torch’s utility can be highly relevant, disrupting opponents while advancing your own game plan.

How to beat

Pass the Torch poses a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering matches with its potential to swing the momentum by handing a turn to your opponent. At face value, this might seem disadvantageous, but the trick lies in mitigating the card’s effect. Proper timing is crucial when dealing with a card like this. Assessing your own board state and your opponent’s resources is key to ensuring their extra turn doesn’t pave the way to your downfall. It’s essential to play Pass the Torch when you’re in a commanding position or when your opponent is at a resource disadvantage.

Interaction is also important. Having counterplay ready can prevent the worst outcomes following Pass the Torch. This could mean holding up counter spells to negate impactful spells during that extra turn, or having removal ready to address any threats that are played. Boards wipes can be especially useful in resetting the stage after your opponent’s additional turn. Additionally, effects that limit the number of spells that can be played or extra turns taken can severely limit Pass the Torch’s potential impact.

Ultimately, the strategy to beat Pass the Torch in Magic: The Gathering hinges on board control, hand disruption, and the careful timing of your spells. As with many things in MTG, knowledge of your opponent’s deck and likely strategies will guide you in making the most effective plays against this intriguing card.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pass the Torch MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: New Capenna, 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 Pass the Torch and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pass the Torch has restrictions

Format	Legality
Gladiator	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Timeless	Legal