Shocking Grasp MTG Card


Provides advantage by disrupting opponents and refilling your hand, ideal for maintaining tempo in the game. Instant speed enables surprise interaction during an opponent’s turn, adding a layer of strategic depth. Although it requires discarding, its board control and synergy with spell-focused decks make it a solid pick.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

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.

Swift Response - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Pyrohelix - MTG Card versions
Electrify - MTG Card versions
Swift Response - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Pyrohelix - MTG Card versions
Electrify - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shocking Grasp by color, type and mana cost

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Boomerang - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions
Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Boomerang - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions
Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions

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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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.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 722015NormalBlackJason Felix
22022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1322015NormalBlackJason Felix

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shocking Grasp has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal