Pitchburn Devils MTG Card
2011-09-30 - Number 156
2013-07-19 - Number 149
2014-06-06 - Number 149
2020-07-03 - Number 156
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Devil |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Pitchburn Devils dies, it deals 3 damage to target creature or player.
The ingenuity of goblins, the depravity of demons, and the smarts of sheep.
Cards like Pitchburn Devils
Pitchburn Devils is an intriguing creature card that offers some explosive potential for Magic: The Gathering players who like to blaze a trail to victory. Comparable to other creatures such as Crossway Vampire, Pitchburn Devils packs a similar cost and power as Crossway Vampire, but it provides a fiery twist upon leaving the battlefield. Crossway Vampire can impact the battlefield immediately through tapping an opponent’s creature, whereas Pitchburn Devils leave a lasting impression with its ability to deal 3 damage to any target when it dies.
Looking at another peer, the Skirk Marauder mirrors Pitchburn Devils in its ablaze exit strategy. Both require an investment of three mana, but Skirk Marauder employs the Morbid technique, potentially doubling its departure damage if a creature has died this turn. While Skirk Marauder requires a more precise timing to maximize its effect, the Devils’ straightforward demise damage ensures a consistent outcome. Another card of note is the Bogardan Firefiend, a creature with a similar post-mortem explosive tendency, dealing 2 damage upon death—a slightly less potent but lower-costing alternative.
Within the realm of death-trigger damage-dealers, Pitchburn Devils stand out as a reliable choice for players crafting strategies that capitalize on creature demise, offering a balance of cost and destructive capability among its thematic peers in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Pitchburn Devils by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Pitchburn Devils. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 3 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Pitchburn Devils leaves the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to any target, potentially removing an opponent’s creature or finishing off a weakened foe. This effectively can handle two challenges with one card, boosting your strategic edge on the field.
Resource Acceleration: Although Pitchburn Devils doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its impact could lead to indirect benefits. By removing key threats, you’re able to maintain board control, allowing your other resource-accelerating cards to work without interruption.
Instant Speed: While this creature itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability triggers upon death, which you can leverage during your own turn or your opponent’s. Savvy players can block with the Devils or use sacrifice effects to cause instant-speed damage and disrupt the opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Some MTG cards, like Pitchburn Devils, don’t have a discard requirement, which can be a hidden benefit as it leaves your hand intact.
Specific Mana Cost: Pitchburn Devils requires a predetermined mix of mana, including red, to be cast. This can sometimes restrict its integration into multicolor decks that may not always have the right mana available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana for a 3/3 creature, the mana investment for Pitchburn Devils might be considered high compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities. It’s essential to weigh this cost against the potential impact of its ability when it leaves the battlefield, to decide if it suits your strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Despite its initial appearance as a straightforward creature, Pitchburn Devils fits well in various aggressive and sacrifice-themed decks. It serves a dual role by being a capable attacker and ensuring a parting impact on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that trigger upon death or artifact creation, Pitchburn Devils’ ability to deal damage when it dies becomes a strategic asset. It can synergize with abilities like morbid or provide fodder for sacrifice outlets.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small creatures are abundant, Pitchburn Devils holds its own by threatening to deter blockers or take out an opposing threat upon its exit. It’s a useful card in a meta that can capitalize on damage-spreading effects.
How to Beat Pitchburn Devils
Pitchburn Devils is an intriguing creature card that you may face in MTG. Its key feature – dealing damage when it dies – makes it a tricky opponent on the battlefield. To effectively outmaneuver Pitchburn Devils, one must consider a strategy that limits the benefits gained from its death-triggered ability.
An effective approach is to render the Devils’ death less impactful. Utilizing cards that exile rather than destroy can circumvent the Devils’ ability to inflict damage upon death. Cards like Path to Exile or Silent Gravestone offer clean removal options that bypass the creature’s last hurrah. Another tactic is to employ counterspells or hand disruption, such as Thoughtseize or Distress, targeting the card before it even hits the board.
Awareness and timing are key. Holding back on removal until it’s most opportune or making calculated plays that minimize the damage taken can swing the game in your favor. By carefully managing your removal resources and strategically planning your moves, you stand a good chance of diffusing the explosive potential of Pitchburn Devils and maintaining control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pitchburn Devils MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Magic 2014, 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 Pitchburn Devils 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
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Printings
The Pitchburn Devils Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by Johann Bodin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 156 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 2 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 149 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 3 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 149 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 4 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 156 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pitchburn Devils 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 |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pitchburn Devils card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-06-23 | If your life total is brought to 0 or less at the same time that Pitchburn Devils is dealt lethal damage, you lose the game before the ability goes on the stack. |