Psionic Blast MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 74
1993-10-04 - Number 75
1993-12-01 - Number 75
1993-12-10 - Number 75
1993-12-10 - Number 75
2006-10-06 - Number 30
2022-11-28 - Number 371
2022-11-28 - Number 74
2002-06-24 - Number 35058
2007-01-01 - Number 4
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Psionic Blast does 4 damage to any target, but it does 2 damage to you as well.
Cards like Psionic Blast
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Psionic Blast is an intriguing option in the suite of direct damage spells. Its closest relatives include the likes of Char, which, akin to Psionic Blast, inflicts 4 damage albeit at the cost of 2 life to its caster. Psionic Blast is distinguished by its ability to target creatures or players, which offers flexibility similar to Char.
Examining Blue’s spell arsenal, we find Prophetic Bolt. While more mana-intensive, this instant not only deals 4 damage but also grants card advantage through its additional draw effect, adding a strategic depth missing in Psionic Blast. Prophetic Bolt and Psionic Blast share the trait of instant speed, a vital aspect that permits players to adapt to their opponent’s moves and maintain tempo.
Ultimately, Psionic Blast stands out for being a Blue spell with direct damage capability—a rarity in Magic: The Gathering. While generally Blue spells focus on control and manipulation, Psionic Blast enables Blue players to surprise opponents with a burst of damage, traditionally a hallmark of Red’s territory. The unique crossover of this card’s abilities ensures its continued popularity and distinctive place in MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Psionic Blast by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Psionic Blast. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Control | Modern | Blue-Red Control | $10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Saturday - 9:00 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By dealing damage while simultaneously enabling card draw, Psionic Blast provides a unique advantage, setting you ahead in resources compared to your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration. However, its ability to remove key threats can indirectly speed up your game plan by disrupting your opponent’s development.
Instant Speed: Its casting flexibility as an instant means you can adapt to the board state more fluidly, responding to threats or creating opportunities at the end of your opponent’s turn before taking your own actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Psionic Blast’s power comes at a cost, requiring players to carefully consider hand management. With no direct card discard involved, the downside emerges from the self-inflicted damage, effectively reducing your own life total when casting it, potentially putting you at a disadvantage in close matches.
Specific Mana Cost: As a card with a cost that includes one blue mana, Psionic Blast mandates a commitment to blue mana sources within your deck. This may restrict deck-building flexibility, as players need to ensure a reliable source of blue mana to utilize the card effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one blue, Psionic Blast is considered to have a high mana requirement for its effect. When comparing it to other direct damage spells in MTG, some may offer similar or greater damage output or additional benefits for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include Psionic Blast in Your Collection
Versatility: Psionic Blast is a unique piece in blue’s arsenal, offering direct damage which is rare for this color. It can be a game-changer in decks that need alternative win conditions or a surprise finisher.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with spell-copying effects or be used to manipulate life totals for cards that thrive on such interactions, thus enabling diverse and powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames that are creature-heavy or if you’re facing off against decks with key creatures, Psionic Blast serves as both, an unexpected removal and a direct route to your opponent’s life total.
How to beat
Psionic Blast, known for delivering a potent mix of damage and surprise within the Magic: The Gathering universe, is a force to be reckoned with. It’s a card that can turn the tide of a game by dealing 4 damage to any target while dealing 2 damage to you. To outmaneuver this card, consider adopting strategies that focus on life gain or damage prevention. Cards such as Leyline of Sanctity can provide a protective barrier by making you hexproof, effectively shielding you from Psionic Blast’s reach. Alternatively, employing cards like Shalai, Voice of Plenty secures not just your life total but also guards your board against any direct threats.
Maintaining a higher life total through cards like Sphinx’s Revelation can offset the self-inflicted damage from Psionic Blast, keeping you safely ahead in the life race. Moreover, always be prepared for the unexpected blue burst damage by keeping counterspells like Negate at the ready, which can directly negate Psionic Blast, keeping your defenses solid and your game plan uninterrupted.
A comprehensive understanding of both timing and damage mitigation plays a pivotal role in gaining an upper hand against a card with the capabilities of Psionic Blast. By being proactive and anticipating key moments, you can secure your position and possibly turn what would be a drawback into a decisive advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Psionic Blast MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Psionic Blast 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Psionic Blast Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 74 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 75 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 75 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 75 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 75 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 6 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35058 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | ||
| 7 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 30 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 8 | Magic Player Rewards 2007 | P07 | 4 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | ||
| 9 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 371 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 10 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 74 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Psionic Blast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |