Precision Bolt MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2018-10-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Guilds of Ravnica |
| Set code | GRN |
| Number | 267 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Grzegorz Rutkowski |
Text of card
Precision Bolt deals 3 damage to any target.
Ral had wielded lightning all his life but had never harnessed the power of an entire guild.
Cards like Precision Bolt
Precision Bolt is another intriguing piece in the arsenal of red direct damage spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives include classics like Shock and Lightning Strike, each delivering quick and efficient damage to creatures or players. Precision Bolt differentiates itself by having a fixed three damage output, mirroring Lightning Strike, but stands out due to its modal nature and synergy with specific mechanics like Magecraft.
The well-known Lightning Bolt sets a high standard with its one mana cost for three damage, making it a staple in many formats. Although Precision Bolt doesn’t compete with this efficiency, it gains traction in decks that capitalize on instants and sorceries triggering additional effects. Another spell worth noting is Searing Spear, similar in cost and effect to Precision Bolt. However, it lacks the modal flexibility that can be a pivotal advantage in dynamic gameplay situations.
To sum up, while Precision Bolt may not usurp the iconic status of Lightning Bolt, its unique attributes earn it a solid position among damage-dealing spells in Magic: The Gathering, offering strategic depth and potential for combo plays.
Cards similar to Precision Bolt by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Considering its ability to deal direct damage, Precision Bolt can efficiently remove creatures, offering a potential one-for-one exchange, or even better, a larger advantage when dealing with token strategies that generate multiple creatures.
Resource Acceleration: While Precision Bolt doesn’t inherently accelerate resources, its low mana cost ensures you’re preserving your mana for other significant plays, thus indirectly contributing to better resource management.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Precision Bolt provides the flexibility to answer threats or finish off an opponent during their turn. This reactive nature of the card allows strategic plays that can protect your interests while disrupting your opponent’s plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This spell necessitates the pitching of a card from your hand to be cast. In instances where your hand is already depleted, this can be a considerable setback, forcing you to make some tough decisions about resource management.
Specific Mana Cost: Precision Bolt requires a precise combination of mana to cast, including red. This could be restrictive for decks that either don’t run red mana or have a limited mana base, therefore, reducing its versatility in a broad range of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side for its damage output, Precision Bolt may not always be the most mana-efficient choice for dealing damage. Especially in formats where speed is key, you might find other lower-cost alternatives to achieve similar results without setting you back as much in terms of mana investment.
Reasons to Include Precision Bolt in Your Collection
Versatility: Precision Bolt is a staple in many red-based decks due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Whether you’re playing aggro or a more control-oriented game, Precision Bolt provides a reliable 3-damage removal or a direct way to chip down an opponent’s life total.
Combo Potential: In decks that center around instants and sorceries, Precision Bolt works beautifully with cards that trigger upon casting a noncreature spell or that care about the number of spells in a graveyard, maximizing its impact beyond the initial damage dealt.
Meta-Relevance: The metagame often features creatures with key abilities that must be answered quickly. Precision Bolt offers an immediate and efficient solution, keeping the board clear and maintaining the pace of your strategy against a broad range of opposing decks.
How to beat
The Precision Bolt from Magic: The Gathering has quickly become a card to watch out for due to its direct damage capability. Like its predecessor Shock, Precision Bolt comes in handy when you need to deal a swift three damage to either an opponent or a pesky creature on the field. However, staying ahead of its threat is possible with a few strategies.
To outmaneuver Precision Bolt, consider cards that grant you life gain might help you stay out of its danger zone. Additionally, employing creatures with toughness greater than three can ensure they survive an encounter with this fiery spell. Counterspells also play a crucial role for blue decks, allowing you to stop Precision Bolt before it wreaks havoc. For more sustained protection, invest in cards that provide you hexproof or prevent noncombat damage could be the perfect shield against burn spells like Precision Bolt.
Ultimately, the key to beating Precision Bolt lies in anticipating your opponent’s moves and keeping your life total healthy. While it’s a force to be reckoned with, strategic play and the right cards can neutralize its impact, maintaining your standing in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Precision Bolt MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Precision Bolt 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Precision Bolt 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 |
| Timeless | Legal |