Pyromancy MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Enchantment |
Released | 1999-02-15 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Urza's Legacy |
Set code | ULG |
Number | 88 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Quinton Hoover |
Text of card
o3, Discard a card at random: Pyromancy deals to target creature or player damage equal to the total casting cost of the discarded card.
Who harnesses fire controls the world. —Ghitu proverb
Cards like Pyromancy
Exploring the dynamic world of red spells in MTG, Pyromancy is an enchantment that showcases its flair by turning cards into direct damage. It draws parallels with cards like Flames of the Firebrand, which can also distribute damage among multiple targets. Yet, Pyromancy offers a unique approach by using cards in hand as fuel for damage, providing a versatile option for players seeking to convert late-game stalemates into sudden victories.
Comparably, we see the shared trait of dealing damage in Fireball, a classic spell with the ability to harness massive mana investments for proportionate impact. While Fireball can be a game-ender, Pyromancy’s strength lies in its repeated use, giving it an edge in prolonged games. Then there’s Banefire, another red spell that garners attention for its ability to deal uncounterable damage if enough mana is poured into it, solidifying its place in decks that are up against control strategies.
In the grand tapestry of red spells, Pyromancy stands out with its unique mechanic, allowing players to leverage their hand as an arsenal of potential damage, ensuring it remains a relevant and intriguing tool for MTG enthusiasts looking to bring the heat to their opponents in creative ways.
Cards similar to Pyromancy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pyromancy generates a significant leap in cards management by potentially removing an opponent’s key creature or troublesome permanent, offering you the upper hand on the game’s flow.
Resource Acceleration: This card’s ability to convert extra cards in hand into direct damage can help fast-track a win condition, propelling you ahead by utilizing the resources that are already at your disposal.
Instant Speed: The versatility of being able to cast Pyromancy at instant speed cannot be understated. It allows reactive gameplay, providing the flexibility to respond to threats immediately or strategically during an opponent’s turn for maximum impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pyromancy cards often require a player to discard another card as part of the casting cost. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially when their hand is already depleted or if they’re forced to let go of a vital component in their strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Leveraging the full potential of a Pyromancy card typically demands a commitment to red mana in your deck. This specific mana requirement can restrict deck flexibility, making it challenging to integrate into multicolor deck strategies without the necessary mana-fixing elements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Many Pyromancy cards come with a high mana cost, which means they carry a heavier resource investment for the effect they provide. In the fast-paced nature of MTG, players may find that dedicating a large portion of their mana to a single spell leaves them vulnerable or delays other critical plays.
Reasons to Include Pyromancy in Your Collection
Versatility: Pyromancy offers a flexible approach to dealing damage, allowing it to be slotted into various red-centric or multicolor decks that want direct damage capabilities.
Combo Potential: Its ability to turn any card in hand into direct damage provides numerous synergies with decks that benefit from effects of cards being discarded or those that amass large hands for a powerful finish.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that favors aggressive strategies, Pyromancy can be a game-changer by providing consistent damage output and interaction with resilient creatures on the board.
How to beat
Pyromancy is a dynamic card that can add a lot of firepower to a player’s arsenal in Magic: The Gathering. Harnessing the right strategy to douse its flames is essential. This card translates unused cards in hand into direct damage, encouraging players to maintain a large hand size. To counteract this, limiting the card draws of your opponent through hand disruption strategies can be effective. Cards such as Thoughtseize or Duress can remove Pyromancy or key cards that fuel it from your opponent’s hand before they’re able to use them.
Moreover, denying resources with counter spells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak can keep Pyromancy off the field entirely. Another strategy to consider is utilizing creature removal spells to keep your opponent’s board clear, reducing the targets they have for Pyromancy’s ability. Finally, playing a fast-paced aggro deck that pressures life totals before Pyromancy can become a threat may force an opponent to play defensively, making Pyromancy less useful in their strategy. Ensuring that you have these types of cards at your disposal will lessen the threat posed by this formidable card and give you the upper hand in the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pyromancy MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy, 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 Pyromancy 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pyromancy has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pyromancy card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | A card with X in the cost is treated as X=0. |
2004-10-04 | You pick the target before you know which card is going to be discarded. |