Burning Cloak MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Portal
Set code	POR
Number	120
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Scott M. Fischer

Key Takeaways

Burning Cloak’s instant speed and versatility give players real-time response power during intense MTG matchups.
The card’s dual nature presents an edge in combat, providing both aggressive and defensive capabilities.
Strategic deck construction and gameplay are key to maximizing Burning Cloak’s strengths and mitigating its cons.

Text of card

Any one creature gets +2/+0 until the end of the turn. Burning Cloak deals 2 damage to that creature.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Burning Cloak provides players with the ability to potentially remove an opponent’s threat while simultaneously setting up your own board, effectively swinging the momentum in your favor. This dual utility ensures you’re not falling behind in the race for dominance on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: By offering damage that can take out early-game creatures, Burning Cloak can disrupt your opponent’s resource development. This can slow them down, giving you the upper hand as you accelerate your own resources unimpeded, laying the groundwork for a powerful mid to late game.

Instant Speed: The true strength of Burning Cloak lies in its flexibility. With instant speed, you have the control to respond to threats in real-time, providing a versatile tool in any mtg player’s arsenal. Whether you’re thwarting an attack, eliminating a blocker, or simply using it to finish a game, the immediacy of this card cannot be overstated.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A notable downside of Burning Cloak is the necessity to discard a card to harness its power. This can deplete the player’s hand, potentially leaving them at a disadvantage, especially in game stages where each card held is critical to maintaining control.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost to cast Burning Cloak demands a specific color, making it less flexible in multicolored decks. This can present a hurdle in deck building for players wanting to blend various color strategies effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side for its effects, Burning Cloak competes with other cards that may provide more impactful abilities or board presence at a similar or lower investment. This cost-benefit analysis is crucial when considering the inclusion of this card in a deck.

Reasons to Include Burning Cloak in Your Collection

Versatility: Burning Cloak offers flexible play options, adept for both offense and defense. Its capability to increase power while providing protection makes it a solid choice for various red-based decks.

Combo Potential: This card interacts well with strategies revolving around spell-slinging and prowess. It amplifies the effects of creatures and spells that benefit from casting instant or sorcery spells, leading to potentially explosive turns.

Meta-Relevance: Should the current metagame favor aggressive strategies, Burning Cloak becomes a key tool, giving creatures the edge needed to overcome common blockers or to finish games swiftly.

How to beat

Burning Cloak can be a challenging aspect for players in MTG due to its versatility. This card packs a punch by enabling a creature to get +2/+0 and gain first strike until end of turn. The first strike ability, in particular, can turn the tides in combat by allowing a creature to deal damage before creatures without first strike can strike back. However, there are strategies you can employ to mitigate its impact.

One effective tactic is to limit the number of targets available for Burning Cloak. Control decks that focus on removing creatures from the board or forcing discards can reduce the card’s usefulness. Moreover, enchantment removal spells or abilities can strip Burning Cloak’s benefits from an opponent’s creature, negating its advantages. Cards with the reach or flash abilities can also provide a surprise block to a creature beefed up by Burning Cloak, potentially rendering the extra power and first strike moot.

By anticipating this card and preparing accordingly, you can craft a game plan that neutralizes Burning Cloak’s potential and keeps you in control of the battlefield. With the right mix of creature control and strategic blocks, you can overcome the challenges posed by this fiery enchantment.

Cards like Burning Cloak

In comparing Burning Cloak with alternative cards in Magic: The Gathering, we immediately look to cards that offer a blend of damage and defensive capabilities. Fiery Impulse is a card that shares the damage aspect. It can deal damage to a target creature, potentially destroying smaller creatures early in the game. While Fiery Impulse is limited to creatures and lacks the defensive boost, it does benefit from the Spell Mastery mechanic, which can increase its power.

Another card to consider is Shore Up. This spell focuses on prevention, providing a significant toughness boost to a creature for the turn. Unlike Burning Cloak, it doesn’t dish out damage, but the defensive buff can deter opponents from attacking or blocking, depending on the situation. It’s an excellent option for protecting valuable creatures on the board.

In essence, Burning Cloak finds its niche by offering a quick burst of damage while simultaneously shielding your creatures. It’s a versatile tool that can shift the momentum of a game, making it a unique option for players who appreciate the duality of immediate threat response and creature preservation.

Cards similar to Burning Cloak by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burning Cloak MTG card by a specific set like Portal, 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 Burning Cloak and other MTG cards: