Reflect Damage MTG Card

Instant speed of Reflect Damage lets players respond unpredictably during combat, drastically altering the outcome. Stringent mana requirements and discard costs may deter inclusion in decks not aligned with its colors. Reflect Damage’s flexibility makes it a valuable tool against combat-centric opponents, disrupting their tactics.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant
Released	1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set name	Mirage
Set code	MIR
Number	277
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ron Spencer

Text of card

Redirect all damage dealt by any one source to that source's controller.

From you to me, so me to you. —Femeref children's taunt

Cards like Reflect Damage

Reflect Damage stands out in the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering redirection effects, inviting intriguing strategic plays on the battlefield. It mirrors the functionality of cards like Reflecting Palm, which also turns the tide by channeling an opponent’s attack back at them. Though Reflect Damage can target any source, Reflecting Palm is more restricted, only targeting creatures.

Moving along with Reversal of Fortune, another similar card, which boasts the ability to flip the outcome of spells that deal damage. However, its scope is narrower, focusing purely on spells and not attacks. Reflect Damage has the upper hand due to its versatility in targeting. On the more expensive side, we have Comeuppance, which can ward off all damage in a turn and deal it back, echoing Reflect Damage’s protective yet retaliatory nature, though at a higher mana cost.

Evaluating these cards, Reflect Damage provides MTG players with a unique combination of defensive and offensive capabilities. Its broad application against various types of damage sources makes it a force to be reckoned with in games where timing and surprise are of essence.

Cards similar to Reflect Damage by color, type and mana cost

Integrity // Intervention - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Reflect Damage can be a strategic game-changer, often acting as a surprise that can tilt the board in your favor. This card redefines card advantage not by drawing more cards but by turning your opponent’s significant attack into a major setback for them.

Resource Acceleration: Although Reflect Damage doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, it can indirectly accelerate your game plan. By preventing a substantial amount of damage that would have been detrimental to your resources, Reflect Damage helps maintain your life total, keeping you in a position to deploy your own strategies without delay.

Instant Speed: The true strength of Reflect Damage lies in its instant speed capability. Waiting until the perfect moment, you can cast Reflect Damage after attackers are declared but before the combat damage step. This ability to react in the heat of battle ensures that you can cleverly redirect what could have been a devastating attack back at the aggressor when they least expect it.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With Reflect Damage, players must be wary of the requirement to discard a card upon playing it. This can lead to dilemmas, especially when your hand size is shrinking, and each card’s value escalates.

Specific Mana Cost: Reflect Damage demands a meticulous mana combination to be cast, specifically a mix of red and white mana. This color specificity can often restrict its integration into decks that don’t operate on both colors or lack sufficient mana fixing to accommodate such needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing three mana, inclusive of two that are color-specific, can feel onerous when alternatives exist that might redirect damage for less or provide different forms of protection or control at a more economical rate. This can put Reflect Damage at a disadvantage when considering its role in a player’s deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Reflect Damage is a unique addition that can be slotted into numerous deck builds. Its ability to turn the tables on an opponent who might otherwise deal lethal or significant damage allows for defensive strategies and surprises during gameplay.

Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with effects that encourage opponents to attack, such as goad or taunt abilities. It can also weave into strategies that involve redirecting damage or spells—making it a potent tool for inventive combo lines.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where combat damage is prevalent or where there are decks that win through inflicting large amounts of damage in a single turn, Reflect Damage has the potential to disrupt those strategies effectively. Its presence can alter the flow of the game and act as a safeguard, keeping your life total in a healthy range while opponents second-guess their aggressive tactics.

How to beat

Confronting the Reflect Damage card in Magic: The Gathering can seem like an intimidating task, but it is certainly not insurmountable. This card has the distinctive ability to turn the tide of battle by using your opponent’s strength against them. It can be frustrating, especially when you’ve built up a significant force only to have the potential damage reversed back onto you or your creatures.

To effectively counter Reflect Damage, the key is in timing and careful play. First, consider playing spells or creatures that limit an opponent’s ability to target you or that have hexproof or shroud. This will make it more difficult for Reflect Damage to be used effectively against you. Another strategy includes using instants and abilities to prevent damage or counter the spell outright. Saving mana for counter spells when you commit to a heavy attack can also thwart your opponent’s plans to use Reflect Damage.

Additionally, playing around your opponent’s mana availability can be crucial. If you suspect they have Reflect Damage in hand, you might want to bait it out when the potential damage reversal is less detrimental to your game plan. This way, you can proceed with your heavier strikes once you’re confident the coast is clear. It’s all about smart play and keeping control of the battlefield dynamics. By considering these tactics, you can effectively navigate around the obstacles posed by Reflect Damage.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Reflect Damage MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Reflect Damage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Reflect Damage has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal