Precise Strike MTG Card


Precise Strike offers instant combat advantage, elevating creatures during crucial conflicts. Its low mana cost and instant speed allow for efficient and reactive gameplay strategies. Comparative analysis shows Precise Strike is a tactical asset, despite modest boosts.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target creature gets +1/+0 and gains first strike until end of turn.

"Hit where it hurts, and always hit first."


Cards like Precise Strike

Precise Strike stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s array of combat trick cards designed to give creatures an upper hand during battles. Comparable to the likes of Sure Strike, Precise Strike grants a lesser power boost of just +1, but boasts the same first strike ability. The difference lies in the mana cost and potential impact on combat—a nuanced comparison for tactical players.

Another card worthy of comparison is Swift Response, which holds the strategic advantage of being able to destroy an attacking or blocking creature. While Precise Strike focuses on tipping combat in favor by providing first strike, Swift Response ends the combat outright for a threat, albeit only when it’s attacking or blocking. Both cards offer distinct approaches to combat scenarios, each with its respective merits.

Examining the intricacies of these cards and others in their category is key for players looking to fine-tune their decks. When it comes to quick and cost-effective tricks to surprise opponents, Precise Strike adds significant value despite its modest power boost, due to the first strike ability and low mana cost, making it a tactical asset in many MTG matches.

Sure Strike - MTG Card versions
Swift Response - MTG Card versions
Sure Strike - MTG Card versions
Swift Response - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Precise Strike by color, type and mana cost

False Orders - MTG Card versions
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Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
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Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
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Engulfing Flames - MTG Card versions
Sonic Seizure - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Flames - MTG Card versions
Sonic Seizure - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Even though Precise Strike does not directly allow you to draw cards, it gives your creature first strike until end of turn which can be pivotal in combat resolution, keeping your creatures on the board and preserving your card resources.

Resource Acceleration: Precise Strike may not produce additional resources like mana or tokens, but its low mana cost is a form of resource efficiency, allowing you to allocate mana elsewhere and potentially cast multiple spells in a single turn.

Instant Speed: The strength of Precise Strike is significantly amplified by its instant speed. This enables reactive gameplay, turning an unassuming blocker into a deadly threat or unexpectedly tipping the scales of combat in your favor without telegraphing your strategy to your opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To cast Precise Strike, players must meet certain conditions that can be strenuous when card advantage is crucial. This requirement signifies a potential loss of valuable assets in a player’s hand which could be detrimental in the long game.

Specific Mana Cost: Precise Strike demands a particular combination of mana types. This restriction can challenge deck building since it necessitates a dedicated mana base, potentially hindering decks that operate on a more flexible or diverse range of mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana investment against the card’s impact on the game, Precise Strike may be found wanting. It requires a significant amount of mana for an effect that doesn’t always guarantee a decisive advantage, making it less appealing compared to alternatives with lower costs or more impactful outcomes.


Reasons to Include Precise Strike in Your Collection

Versatility: Precise Strike is an ideal addition to various deck archetypes due to its low mana cost and the ability to grant first strike. This makes it a useful tool in both aggressive red decks and more strategic combat-focused builds.

Combo Potential: The card’s instant speed allows for surprising combat tricks, pairing well with cards that benefit from combat interactions or deal damage-based effects. It can turn a simple creature into a formidable threat during a crucial battle phase.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-based strategies prevalent in many formats, Precise Strike provides a cost-effective way to tip the scales in your favor. It’s an adaptable card that can modify the outcome of battles against a variety of opposing decks.


How to beat Precise Strike

Precise Strike is a noteworthy card that players utilize to give a quick punch during combat in Magic: The Gathering. This instant card can be a game-changer by granting one creature first strike until the end of the turn. To effectively counter such a swift and precise enhancement, it is essential to take a strategic approach. Employing removal spells before combat ensures that the creature set to receive the boost from Precise Strike doesn’t become a problem. This preemptive measure can negate the advantage that Precise Strike offers.

Alternatively, increasing the toughness of your creatures either through static abilities or instant spells can allow them to withstand an opponent’s Precise Strike-empowered creature. It’s also wise to hold back blockers that can survive combat, even against a first striker, so you don’t lose vital board presence. In addition, incorporating cards that can negate instants or provide protection to your own creatures are valuable tools to have at your disposal. With careful planning and the right countermeasures, overcoming the quick and targeted enhancement that Precise Strike provides is entirely plausible.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Precise Strike MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Kaladesh 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 Precise Strike and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Precise Strike Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 922015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
22020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 1372015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Precise Strike has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal