Scald MTG Card

Increases card access and deepens strategic play through immediate deck interaction. Accelerates mana providing an edge, but requires card discard and red mana. Offers flexibility and tempo in fast-paced games, though at a significant mana cost.

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 211

Scald - World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)

World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)
1999-08-04 - Number mlp211sb

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment

Text of card

Whenever a player taps an island for mana, Scald deals 1 damage to that player.

"Shiv may be surrounded by water, but the mountains go far deeper." —Fire Eye, viashino bey

Cards like Scald

Scald stands out in the realm of targeted damage spells in MTG. Echoing the straightforward nature of Lightning Strike, Scald delivers a precise hit to creatures or planeswalkers, giving players control over the battlefield dynamics. While Lightning Strike deals 3 damage at the cost of two mana, Scald offers a twist with its required exile of a red card from your hand, granting the potential to cast a five-damage spell.

Another relative in this category is Skewer the Critics, which boasts the spectacle cost, potentially lowering its mana cost if an opponent was dealt damage this turn. However, Scald’s higher damage output gives it a distinct edge, despite not having this flexibility. Compared to Flame Slash, which deals four damage at sorcery speed for one red mana, Scald’s instant speed is invaluable in reactive play and surpasses Flame Slash, despite its lower mana efficiency.

Assessing the range of damage spells in MTG, Scald finds its niche for players who prefer significant damage potential at instant speed, especially for those running monored decks capable of utilizing the exile mechanic to its full extent.

Cards similar to Scald by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scald ensures you stay ahead in the resource game by allowing you to replace it with another card from your deck immediately. This draws you into deeper strategy options and increases the likelihood of getting the cards you need.

Resource Acceleration: Playing Scald can effectively boost your mana pool. By creating a shortcut to more mana, you can deploy bigger threats or crucial plays ahead of schedule, tipping the scales in your favor.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Scald as an instant cannot be overstated. It gives you the freedom to react on-the-fly, keeping opponents guessing and allowing strategic responses to their end-of-turn plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Scald is its discard requirement. To fully utilize this card’s ability, players must forfeit a card from their hand, which could diminish their strategic options, especially if the game has progressed to a point where each card’s value is amplified.

Specific Mana Cost: Scald’s effectiveness is also bound by its mana requirements. Since it costs both red and generic mana, it’s inherently restricted to decks that can reliably produce red mana, potentially narrowing its applicability across various deck types and strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Another factor to consider is Scald’s mana value in relation to its impact on the game. Commanding a total of three mana, with at least one being red, it might be considered a substantial investment for the effect it provides, especially in formats where mana efficiency is crucial to outpacing an opponent.

Reasons to Include Scald in Your Collection

Versatility: Scald, as an instant card, can be slotted into various red-based decks due to its ability to provide a quick mana boost. The shift from your own end step to the opponent’s upkeep can transform your unused mana into a strategic advantage on the next turn.

Combo Potential: With Scald’s unique timing, it can set the stage for explosive plays, pairing well with instants and flash spells. By unlocking your mana potential, it paves the way for unexpected combos outside your turn.

Meta-Relevance: Given that a swift tempo can dictate the pace of many games, including Scald may align perfectly with fast-paced, aggressive metas that require the flexibility and speed it offers. Its use can outpace opponents by maximizing mana efficiency.

How to beat

Navigating the fiery path of the Scald MTG card requires a strategic mindset. This potent card can quicken the pace of a game, bringing scorching damage in swift volleys. To extinguish its effect, players must focus on timely counterspells to negate it before the damage is dealt. Dispel or Negate often prove indispensable in these high-stakes moments.

Resource management is equally critical when facing a card like Scald. Allocating mana wisely or deploying mana-efficient creatures ensures that you maintain pressure, thus reducing the card’s impact. Moreover, utilizing instant-speed removal like Fatal Push can dismantle a strategy built around Scald, taking out key components before they make their mark.

Ultimately, keeping cool and making calculated moves can beat the heat of Scald in MTG. By remaining vigilant and prepared for the card’s arrival on the battlefield, you can turn its potentially game-altering effects into little more than a flicker before it’s snuffed out, tilting the match in your favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scald MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Scald and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Scald Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 1999-08-04. Illustrated by Adam Rex.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG		211	1997	Normal	Black	Adam Rex
2	1999-08-04	World Championship Decks 1999	WC99		mlp211sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Adam Rex

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scald has restrictions

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