Puncture Bolt MTG Card

Its instant speed allows reactive play, making it a tactical asset during your opponent’s turn. Can be a hurdle when it forces a discard, especially when hand resources are low. Essential for decks centered around direct damage and control strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Number	102
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Franz Vohwinkel

Text of card

Puncture Bolt deals 1 damage to target creature. Put a -1/-1 counter on that creature.

Cinder pyromancers measure their success by counting their enemies' smoking holes.

Cards like Puncture Bolt

Puncture Bolt has carved its niche within the removal cards of Magic: The Gathering. A parallel can be drawn with cards like Shock, which also delivers 2 damage to any target. But Puncture Bolt brings something unique to the table with its ability to place a -1/-1 counter on a creature after dealing damage. Shock, by contrast, is straightforward damage without any lasting effects on the creature’s power or toughness.

In a related note, Dead Weight is another comparable card that affects a creature’s stats. While it does not deal damage directly, it reduces a creature’s power and toughness by 2. This modification stays as long as Dead Weight remains attached, unlike the one-time -1/-1 counter from Puncture Bolt. The choice between these two cards may depend on whether immediate damage or a continuous weakening effect is more strategic for the player at a given moment.

Overall, while there are many removal options in Magic: The Gathering, Puncture Bolt stands out for those seeking an affordable yet effective way to damage and debilitate opposing creatures over time.

Cards similar to Puncture Bolt by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Puncture Bolt delivers not only direct damage but also enables you to potentially remove a key creature from your opponent’s board, effectively tilting the resource balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Puncture Bolt itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, removing an opponent’s pivotal mana dork or utility creature can slow them down, indirectly boosting your own pace in the race towards victory.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Puncture Bolt at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This unpredictability can be a tactical advantage, allowing for optimal timing and strategic plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Puncture Bolt commands you to discard a card to activate its secondary effect. This can pose a challenge when you’re running low on hand options and you confront the tough decision of whether to hold onto your resources or aim for a potential advantage on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a strict combination of red mana, Puncture Bolt’s inflexible casting cost can be inconvenient for players who aren’t running a mono-red or compatible multicolored deck, ultimately restricting its versatility across the diverse MTG landscape.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in with a mana value that can be considered hefty for its provided effect, Puncture Bolt may not be the optimal choice for players seeking cost-effective removal options. This can be particularly noticeable in fast-paced games where conserving mana and maximizing value per card can be pivotal.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Puncture Bolt is a useful addition for any red deck, fitting seamlessly into various strategies. Its ability to deal damage to creatures and players alike makes it a flexible tool for both offensive and defensive plays.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that benefit from direct damage or spell casting triggers. It has the potential to be a key piece in decks that aim to win through a combination of incremental damage and control.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ubiquitous presence of small, utility creatures in many competitive formats, Puncture Bolt can be remarkably effective. It’s capable of shifting games in your favor by removing early threats and maintaining board control.

How to beat Puncture Bolt

Puncture Bolt is a direct damage spell in Magic: The Gathering, offering a balance of creature elimination and gradual health reduction. Its strength lies in its ability to dispatch creatures with low toughness while also whittling down the opponent’s life total. However, despite its utility, there are several strategies players can employ to counteract Puncture Bolt’s impact on the game.

One efficient strategy is to utilize creatures with higher toughness than the three damage that Puncture Bolt can deliver, as these will remain on the battlefield despite the hit. Alternatively, creatures with abilities like Hexproof or Shroud are impervious to Puncture Bolt since it targets a single creature. Another approach is to have spells on hand that can counteract non-creature spells, rendering Puncture Bolt ineffective the moment it’s cast.

It’s also beneficial to maintain a fleet of creatures on the battlefield, diluting the effect of Puncture Bolt to just one unit amongst many. Lastly, cards with life gain capabilities help negate the incremental life loss inflicted by Puncture Bolt, keeping your overall health at a safe threshold despite its attempts to chip away at it.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Puncture Bolt MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Puncture Bolt and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Puncture Bolt has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Puncture Bolt card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2008-05-01	If you target a creature with 1 toughness, Puncture Bolt deals 1 damage to it, then puts a -1/-1 counter on it, which reduces it to 0 toughness. The creature will be put into its owner’s graveyard as a result of having 0 toughness. Regeneration can’t save it.
2008-05-01	If you target a creature with 2 toughness, Puncture Bolt deals 1 damage to it, then puts a -1/-1 counter on it, which reduces it to 1 toughness. The creature will be destroyed as a result of lethal damage. Regeneration could save it.
2008-05-01	Puncture Bolt will resolve fully (and give the creature a -1/-1 counter) even if the 1 damage would be enough to destroy it. (This would matter if a 3/3 creature with persist had already been dealt 2 damage, for example.)