Shake the Foundations MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2018-01-19 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Rivals of Ixalan |
| Set code | RIX |
| Number | 113 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zack Stella |
Text of card
Shake the Foundations deals 1 damage to each creature without flying. Draw a card.
A threefold calamity with a single will.
Cards like Shake the Foundations
Shake the Foundations finds its niche in Magic: The Gathering as a dynamic spell capable of dealing damage to multiple targets. It’s reminiscent of cards like Pyroclasm and Volcanic Fallout, which also serve the role of clearing the board of smaller creatures. What sets Shake the Foundations apart is the added advantage of drawing a card, providing a subtle boost to your hand while disrupting the battlefield.
A closer relative in function is the card Fiery Cannonade. It targets only non-Pirate creatures, potentially leaving your Pirates unscathed for a strategic advantage. Shake the Foundations, however, affects all creatures with flying and less toughness equally, regardless of type, making it less discriminatory in its impact. Another card of interest is Scorching Dragonfire that deals damage and exiles the creature if it were to perish, but it forgoes the ability to affect multiple targets or to replenish your hand.
In evaluating the utility against similar spells, Shake the Foundations holds a valuable position. It may not exile or selectively target creatures, but its dual purpose of damage and card draw offers MTG players a unique tool for maintaining momentum in games.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shake the Foundations lets you draw a card, thus replenishing your hand and potentially drawing into key pieces for your strategy while dealing with opposing threats.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or resources, this card could indirectly accelerate your resources by clearing the path for your more powerful creatures to attack and connect with your opponent, or by enabling enrage mechanics to net additional benefits.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Shake the Foundations at instant speed gives you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s board during their turn, specifically targeting creatures with 1 toughness or creating advantageous combat scenarios on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players need to be aware that Shake the Foundations requires no discard, but it’s essential to manage resources effectively to ensure its integration doesn’t disrupt your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Shake the Foundations has a specific mana cost that includes red, which means it’s tailored for red or multicolored decks, potentially limiting its versatility in mono-colored decks or those that do not feature red.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including one red, some players may find the cost a bit steep for the card’s effect. When compared to other cards at similar mana costs, the impact on the game state might not always justify its inclusion in a deck, especially when alternatives could provide a more substantial effect on the board for a similar, or even lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shake the Foundations is a dynamic addition to any deck that faces off against legions of smaller creatures. This card’s ability to deal damage to each creature without flying gives it a place in strategies looking to control the board and maintain a stronghold against aggressive decks.
Combo Potential: For those keen on building intricate synergies, Shake the Foundations offers a way to trigger enrage abilities on your own dinosaurs in MTG. This can lead to a domino effect, setting off multiple abilities that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: With ever-evolving gameplay dynamics, having a card that can sweep away tokens and deter the ever-popular small creature rushes keeps your deck competitive. As the meta shifts towards decks that utilize numerous low-cost creatures, Shake the Foundations could become an increasingly potent tool in your arsenal.
How to beat
Shake the Foundations is a unique spell in Magic: The Gathering with the ability to deal one damage to each creature without flying. This can be cleverly used to wipe out a swarm of low-toughness creatures, potentially turning the tide of the game. It’s crucial for players to recognize this card’s impact, especially when facing decks packed with token creatures or those utilizing a go-wide strategy.
To effectively combat Shake the Foundations, it’s advisable to build a deck with creatures that boast higher toughness or possess flying. Moreover, instant-speed spells or abilities that can boost your creatures’ toughness at the last moment can serve as a countermeasure, protecting your board from being cleared. Alternatively, utilizing counter spells can nip the problem in the bud, ensuring Shake the Foundations never resolves.
Assessing the risk and understanding the types of decks that commonly include Shake the Foundations, typically red or multicolored decks focusing on direct damage, can prepare players for this potential threat. By adapting strategies accordingly and maintaining awareness of this card’s battlefield-altering potential, players can safeguard their creatures and maintain a strong board presence despite the seismic capabilities of Shake the Foundations.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shake the Foundations MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Shake the Foundations 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 Shake the Foundations has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |