Shocking Grasp MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets -2/-0 until end of turn. Draw a card.
"Metal armor? A poor choice."
Cards like Shocking Grasp
The magic in each Magic: The Gathering card lies in its unique abilities combined with strategic similarities to others. Shocking Grasp shines in its role as an instant that not only deals damage but also prevents the target creature from blocking. It echoes the sentiments of other quick spells like Swift Response, which incapacitates a creature in combat, albeit through destruction rather than damage and block prevention.
Comparing it to cards such as Chandra’s Pyrohelix, Shocking Grasp sacrifices the flexible damage distribution for the added benefit of block-prevention – a trade-off one must consider during deck construction. Electrify, another related card, offers a greater damage output, but at the cost of a higher mana requirement and restricts play to your own turn as it is a sorcery.
When examining these cards and their roles in the game, Shocking Grasp maintains its stand as a desirable card for players aiming to maintain tempo and control the battle. The intricacies of its utility in gameplay solidify its position in the array of instant spells within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Shocking Grasp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Equips you with the ability to potentially disrupt your opponent’s tempo by eliminating a threatening creature while simultaneously drawing a card, thereby keeping your hand filled with options.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or treasure tokens, Shocking Grasp can free up your resources by removing blockers or threats at a low cost, effectively speeding up your gameplay strategy.
Instant Speed: The versatility of playing at instant speed offers the element of surprise and strategic flexibility, allowing you to wait for the most opportune moment to respond to your opponent’s actions or end their turn with a well-timed play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shocking Grasp mandates you to discard a card to utilize its effects. This can be especially taxing when your hand is already running thin, forcing you to make tough decisions about resource management during critical moments of gameplay.
Specific Mana Cost: Catering to a blue mana-intensive deck, Shocking Grasp may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks or those with a different mana base. This specificity can make it a less versatile choice in an environment where adaptability is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With alternatives available that provide similar or better effects, the mana expenditure for Shocking Grasp can be seen as steep. Players might opt for other spells that achieve the same goals without as significant a mana investment, making this card potentially less appealing in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Shocking Grasp in Your Collection
Versatility: Shocking Grasp offers a quick and efficient way to deal with creatures in a pinch. It’s an instant, so it can be used during your opponent’s turn, making it a flexible addition to any deck that wishes to stay reactive and control the board.
Combo Potential: This spell not only damages creatures but often includes a card draw mechanic, which can synergize with strategies focused on spell casting or drawing. It also enables more complex combos by interacting with cards that benefit from spells being cast or from drawing additional cards.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creatures with tap abilities or combat strategies dominate, Shocking Grasp can be a key card. Its ability to neutralize threats while keeping your hand replenished aligns well with a variety of tactical approaches, making it a relevant choice in various metagames.
How to beat
Shocking Grasp is a spell that can catch players off guard due to its ability to target creatures, possibly disrupting combat or nullifying an opponent’s key strategies. For players facing this electric spell, the key to success lies in preparedness and understanding its functional timing. Maintaining a well-balanced defense with creatures that have hexproof or shroud can safeguard your field from such targeted spells. Anticipating combat tricks often involves conserving mana for instant-speed responses, permitting you to counter Shocking Grasp before it connects.
Another effective measure is having creatures with sturdy toughness; this way, even if Shocking Grasp lands, your creatures may survive the encounter. Additionally, being mindful of the stack and maintaining your pace can put you in an advantageous position to outplay the moment Shocking Grasp is cast. Keep an eye on your opponent’s untapped lands and potential draw capabilities, as these could signal an impending cast. Ultimately, adapting to their strategy allows you to remain a step ahead, securely navigating around the Shocking Grasp and maintaining command over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shocking Grasp MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Shocking Grasp 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 Shocking Grasp Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Jason Felix.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 72 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
2 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 132 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shocking Grasp has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |