Rock Slide MTG Card

Rock Slide offers potential board control with damage to multiple creatures, possibly leading to card advantage. Discarding a card to cast and specific red mana needs limit Rock Slide’s versatility and accessibility. Its instant speed and scalability make it a noteworthy option for red strategy decks in MTG.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	1997-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Visions
Set code	VIS
Number	92
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mike Kerr

Text of card

Rock Slide deals X damage, divided any way you choose, among any number of target attacking or blocking creatures without flying.

"Good ol' rock. Nothing beats rock." —Rhirhok, goblin archer

Cards like Rock Slide

Rock Slide is an intriguing tactical option for players looking to control the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card parallels the functionality of cards like Seismic Shudder, which also deals damage to each creature without flying. However, Rock Slide offers more flexibility allowing players to adjust their mana investment to increase the damage output. Unlike Seismic Shudder, which has a fixed damage amount, Rock Slide’s scalability can turn it into a game-changer during the late stages of a match.

Rolling Thunder is another card sharing a resemblance with Rock Slide because of its ability to distribute damage as the caster chooses amongst any number of targets. Rolling Thunder, unlike Rock Slide, can target creatures with flying, providing broader reach but at a potentially higher mana cost. Additionally, Blaze stands out as a direct single-target damage spell, valuable for pinpoint removals, in contrast to Rock Slide’s multi-target capability.

In summary, Rock Slide holds its ground amongst MTG damage spells due to its adaptable damage potential and area of effect advantage, especially in games where ground creatures dominate the board. Its capacity to adapt to the evolving state of play elevates it as a card worth considering for versatile red deck strategies.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While not directly drawing cards, Rock Slide allows for potential card advantage through its ability to deal damage to multiple creatures. This can clear out smaller creatures from the board and leave your opponent at a deficit.

Resource Acceleration: Rock Slide itself doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration, but by controlling the board and removing key threats, it can indirectly lead to an advantage on the board, putting you in a stronger position to execute your strategy.

Instant Speed: Being an instant, Rock Slide offers the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn. The ability to wait and see if a more threatening target presents itself before the end of your opponent’s turn can be a significant tactical advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To cast Rock Slide, you have to discard another card, which can hinder you when your hand is already depleted, compromising your long-term strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Rock Slide’s requirement for red mana constrains its inclusion to decks that are capable of producing red mana consistently, making it less versatile across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s on the higher end for its effect, Rock Slide may not be as efficient as other removal options available, potentially slowing down your overall game tempo.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rock Slide is a card that seamlessly integrates into multiple deck types owing to its ability to handle various threats on the board. This makes it a flexible tool in your arsenal, regardless of the deck theme you’re running.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to target multiple creatures means it can be utilized in combinations that aim to clear the board or enable other cards to capitalize on the reduced number of opposing threats.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-heavy decks frequently dominate the scene, having a card like Rock Slide can significantly boost your competitiveness. It’s particularly useful if you’re encountering a lot of swarm or token strategies where its potential can be maximized.

How to beat

Rock Slide is an intriguing tactical challenge for players in the world of Magic: The Gathering, similar in some respects to other forms of creature control strategies. Knowing how to navigate around its potential to remove multiple creatures is crucial for maintaining a strong board presence. To counteract Rock Slide, it’s advisable to diversify the threats on your battlefield. Instead of investing in numerous small creatures, focus on deploying fewer, more resilient ones that can withstand Rock Slide’s damage threshold.

Another effective strategy is to take advantage of instant-speed spells that can either protect your creatures or bolster their toughness beyond Rock Slide’s reach. Spells like Heroic Intervention can provide the necessary protection against Rock Slide by making your creatures indestructible. Understanding the mana requirements and timing of Rock Slide will also guide you in playing around it, keeping crucial spells for countering until the moment is just right.

Ultimately, staying one step ahead involves careful hand and mana management, anticipating when your opponent might cast Rock Slide and having a response ready. By doing so, you ensure your creatures live to fight another turn, keeping you in a strong position to win the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rock Slide MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 Rock Slide and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rock Slide 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 Rock Slide 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	If X is 0, you can’t choose any targets.