Seal of Fire MTG Card
2000-02-14 - Number 98
2006-05-05 - Number 71
2008-11-07 - Number 50
2014-12-05 - Number 50
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
Sacrifice Seal of Fire: Seal of Fire deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
"I am the romancer, the passion that consumes the flesh." —Seal inscription
Cards like Seal of Fire
The Seal of Fire is a notable member of the family of damage-dealing cards in Magic: The Gathering. When delving into comparisons, it draws parallels with Shock, a straightforward classic dealing 2 damage to any target. While both cards deliver the same damage output, Seal of Fire’s delayed trigger allows for strategic planning, setting a trap for opponents or waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Firebolt is another comparable spell that offers a similar initial damage with the added advantage of flashback, enabling it to be cast from the graveyard, thus creating potential for repeated usage. However, it lacks the element of surprise provided by Seal of Fire’s enchantment disguise. Another peer in this category, Lightning Bolt, stands out with its single red mana cost for an instant 3 damage, boasting efficiency and power but misses out on the ability to be set as a board presence.
Analyzing these cards, Seal of Fire exhibits a unique tactical edge in MTG. Its enchantment-based strategy offers a layer of intricacy, presenting a distinct approach to damage spells that can be pivotal to game outcomes, situating it as a versatile choice among its fiery counterparts.
Cards similar to Seal of Fire by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Seal of Fire. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Burn | Pauper | Burn | Pauper League 2024-04-29 |
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Modern | Mono-Red Aggro | Modern Challenge 32 2024-05-10 (1) |
 | Mono-Red Synthesizer | Pauper | Mono-Red Synthesizer | Pauper League 2024-04-30 |
 | Gruul Aggro | Modern | Gruul Aggro | Modern League 2024-04-30 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Seal of Fire offers a form of delayed card efficiency. While it doesn’t allow you to draw more cards, it remains on the battlefield threatening its activation. This can deter opponents from playing creatures, getting value without needing to use additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the typical sense of providing extra mana. However, by efficiently managing your mana, Seal of Fire allows you to utilize your resources in later turns without the need for immediate mana investment when casting a creature removal spell.
Instant Speed: Seal of Fire can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to threats at the optimal moment. Whether that’s during combat, in response to an opponent’s spell, or simply at the end of your opponent’s turn, this card keeps your opponents guessing while you keep your options open.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Seal of Fire doesn’t ask you to discard, its one-time use condition acts as a virtual discard, shedding a card for immediate effect. It’s effective for a quick burst of damage, but once it’s gone, it’s not coming back, potentially leaving you one card down in the exchange.
Specific Mana Cost: Seal of Fire’s utility is inherently tied to its red mana cost, pigeonholing it into red or red-hybrid decks. This restrictiveness can challenge deck builders who are working to incorporate this card in a multi-colored strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing a single red mana might seem economical, in a fast-paced MTG environment, every mana point counts. When evaluated against other one-drop spells that can deal damage immediately without waiting on the activation, Seal of Fire can sometimes lag in terms of efficiency, especially in decks looking to optimize every mana spent.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Seal of Fire offers the ability to deliver damage on demand, making it a flexible addition to Red decks that might need instant speed removal or a quick way to finish off an opponent.
Combo Potential: This card is an excellent piece for synergistic interactions, such as with cards that trigger upon the casting of a Red spell or those that benefit from a controlled damage output.
Meta-Relevance: Given that many competitive formats favor quick and decisive plays, Seal of Fire’s low cost and instant damage make it relevant in an environment rich with small utility creatures and planeswalkers.
How to beat
Seal of Fire is a nuanced red enchantment offering tactical flexibility in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to sit on the battlefield and threaten damage makes it akin to a land mine waiting to be triggered. Initially, it may appear daunting, as it’s capable of dealing damage at virtually any time during the game, once its controller decides to sacrifice it.
Confronting Seal of Fire calls for strategic play. Counterspells are effective tools against it, particularly when it’s on the stack. Blue mages should keep a counterspell ready to negate its casting. In absence of such direct interruption, players need to force the Seal’s premature activation by presenting less valuable targets or threats that demand an immediate answer, thereby minimizing its impact.
Additionally, enchantment removal spells like Disenchant can directly target and neutralize Seal of Fire without allowing its damage to be inflicted. When dealing with board states that include Seal of Fire, it’s vital to navigate with the understanding that any creature or planeswalker is at risk, making defense and protection paramount. Playing around Seal of Fire involves mitigating its potential damage and addressing it as a persistent threat that demands an answer.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Seal of Fire MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis and Dissension, 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 Seal of Fire 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
Printings
The Seal of Fire Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-02-14 and 2014-12-05. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-02-14 | Nemesis | NEM | 98 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 71 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ralph Horsley | |
| 3 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 50 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 4 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 50 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Seal of Fire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |