Rhystic Lightning MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2000-06-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Prophecy |
| Set code | PCY |
| Number | 99 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Roger Raupp |
Text of card
Rhystic Lightning deals 4 damage to target creature or player unless that creature's controller or that player pays . If he or she does, Rhystic Lightning deals 2 damage to the creature or player.
Cards like Rhystic Lightning
Rhystic Lightning offers MTG players a versatile damage spell in the realm of red instant cards. Much like the popular Lightning Bolt, it delivers an immediate punch with the potential for more damage under certain conditions. Whereas Lightning Bolt consistently deals three damage to any target for a single mana, Rhystic Lightning’s base effect is similar yet provides the chance to scale up to five damage if the opponent can’t pay the additional cost.
Comparing it to something like Kindle, which has the capacity to increase its damage output over time based on the number of cards named Kindle in the graveyard, Rhystic Lightning stands out with its potential for a larger immediate impact without requiring setup. Another contemporary is the card Char, which also deals four damage to any target while inflicting two damage to its caster – a drawback absent in Rhystic Lightning’s design. Additionally, while Flames of the Raze-Boar can potentially deliver immense damage later in the game, Rhystic Lightning maintains the advantage of a lower casting cost, presenting a quick and efficient solution for early threats.
Ultimately, Rhystic Lightning finds itself in a unique position within red spells. It merges the capability to deal substantial damage early on with the psychological play of forcing an opponent to either suffer greater damage or expend more resources, an edge that can be quite valuable in the tactical exchanges of a game.
Cards similar to Rhystic Lightning by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rhystic Lightning offers players a unique opportunity to potentially deter opponents from blocking or using certain strategies due to its rhystic payment feature, providing an edge in mind games and strategic planning.
Resource Acceleration: While Rhystic Lightning doesn’t directly provide mana or resource acceleration, its low casting cost allows players to allocate resources effectively, maintaining a pace to cast other spells and control the board simultaneously.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Rhystic Lightning can be a game-changer, allowing for flexibility in play. Cast it during an opponent’s turn to disrupt their tactics or save it for the perfect moment to tilt the battlefield in your favor without missing a beat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Rhystic Lightning doesn’t force a discard, it does present a predicament. Players might choose to pay the additional cost to prevent opponents from drawing cards, effectively feeling like a lost card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Rhystic Lightning requires a combination of generic and red mana, which can restrict its inclusion in multicolor decks, especially if the mana base isn’t optimized for red spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three, including two which must be red, Rhystic Lightning’s cost is somewhat steep for its immediate impact, considering other burn spells may offer more damage or additional effects for the same or lower cost.
Reasons to Include Rhystic Lightning in Your Collection
Versatility: Rhystic Lightning offers strategic flexibility for decks that can take advantage of instant speed removal. It serves as a utility card that can disrupt your opponent’s gameplay by targeting creatures at critical moments or even finish a player off with direct damage.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combos that capitalize on spell effects, such as those involving damage amplification or cost reduction. Rhystic Lightning can become a key component in a chain of spells that can potentially swing the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, Rhystic Lightning can be an effective response. It allows you to keep pace with the board and manage threats efficiently, making it a prudent choice for sideboards or main decks alike, depending on your local game scene.
How to beat
Rhystic Lightning offers a unique dynamic in the landscape of removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. This instant allows you to potentially deal 5 damage to a target creature unless its controller pays {2}. This presents a strategic opportunity as the decision rests with your opponent, challenging their resource management.
To effectively counter Rhystic Lightning, consider maintaining mana reserves so you can pay the fee should your creature become the target. Another method is to deploy low-cost creatures with high toughness that can withstand the initial 3 damage if you cannot—or opt not to—pay the cost. Additionally, utilizing spells that counteract instants or provide your creatures with indestructibility or hexproof can nullify the threat of Rhystic Lightning, preserving your board and frustrating your opponent’s removal plans.
Understanding the timing of spells and the rhythm of your opponent’s gameplay can also turn the tide in your favor. By being mana-efficient and anticipating potential removals, you bolster your defenses against such tactics. With careful strategy and the appropriate responses, Rhystic Lightning can be stripped of its potency, becoming less a thunderous roar and more a mild rumble in your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rhystic Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Rhystic Lightning 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 Rhystic Lightning has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rhystic Lightning 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 | The player gets the option to pay when this spell resolves. |