Shower of Coals MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Threshold |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Number | 221 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Matt Cavotta |
Text of card
Shower of Coals deals 2 damage to each of up to three target creatures and/or players. Threshold Shower of Coals deals 4 damage to each of those creatures and/or players instead. (You have threshold if seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)
Cards like Shower of Coals
Shower of Coals offers a unique flavor in the realm of red damage spells in Magic: The Gathering. It can be likened to cards like Flames of the Raze-Boar which also delivers damage that can be distributed among multiple targets. However, Shower of Coals distinguishes itself with its threshold ability, allowing for a considerable increase in damage output if seven or more cards are in your graveyard.
Another akin spell is Fireball, a classic that allows players to divide the damage across various creatures and even players, similar to Shower of Coals. The difference lies in Fireball’s variable mana cost, which provides flexibility in damage control. Meanwhile, Shower of Coals has a fixed cost but the potential for a higher damage yield with its threshold bonus. Rolling Thunder is also in the conversation, providing scalable damage allocation; however, it lacks any additional effects that are conditional on graveyard size.
In essence, Shower of Coals stands out within its category when it comes to scalability and potential maximum damage, especially in decks that fill the graveyard swiftly, allowing for explosive turns once the threshold is achieved.
Cards similar to Shower of Coals by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shower of Coals offers a substantial payoff when hitting threshold, dishing out a total of six damage across up to three targets. This allows for the potential elimination of multiple creatures or even direct player damage, tipping the scales in card advantage during play.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly affecting mana resources, the efficient distribution of damage can lead to an accelerated game state by clearing the way for your creatures to attack or by disrupting the opponent’s strategy significantly.
Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Shower of Coals may not have instant speed, but its ability to control the board is instantaneous in effect at the game. With strategic play, Shower of Coals can drastically shift the momentum of the game when cast at the right moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the sticking points for players considering Shower of Coals is the requirement to discard a card. This added necessity can be burdensome, particularly in games where maintaining a full hand can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Specific Mana Cost: Shower of Coals comes with a specific mana cost that demands a heavy red mana presence. This can pose a deck-building constraint, relegating the card largely to mono-red decks or those with a significant red component, potentially stifling its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating mana efficiency, Shower of Coals can appear to lag, especially when compared to other spells in the same mana range. The upfront cost of four mana is considerable, and in a fast-paced game, players might find that it doesn’t deliver a knockout punch commensurate with its expense.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shower of Coals offers flexibility in red-based decks that appreciate scalable damage spells. Whether you’re looking to control the board by wiping out multiple creatures or dealing a sizable chunk of damage to your opponent, this card adapts to your needs.
Combo Potential: With its threshold ability, Shower of Coals scales in power, allowing for devastating combinations in decks designed to fill the graveyard. It becomes a tool that can be the cornerstone of a profound strategy, leading to game-changing plays.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creatures swarm the field, Shower of Coals shines as a method to manage the battlefield. As the game progresses, the card’s increased damage output can swing the momentum in your favor, making it a relevant choice in various match-ups.
How to beat
Shower of Coals is an impactful red sorcery capable of delivering a substantial hit to multiple targets in Magic: The Gathering. Dealing 2 damage to each of up to three targets, this card is well-positioned in the realm of removal spells. To counter this fiery rain, prioritizing cards that offer protection from red can be vital. Cards like Mother of Runes, which can provide protection to other creatures, or spells like Make a Stand, granting indestructibility for a turn, can nullify the effect Shower of Coals intends to bring to the battlefield.
Furthermore, the threshold ability of Shower of Coals enhances its intensity, upping the damage to 4 if seven or more cards are in your graveyard. This makes graveyard management another key strategy. Utilizing cards that exile graveyards such as Tormod’s Crypt can keep you safely below the threshold. This preemptive measure maintains the spell at its base level, a strategy often overlooked yet crucial in such scenarios.
In essence, strategic inclusion of protective and graveyard management cards are effective ways to counteract the potential devastation triggered by Shower of Coals, allowing players to maintain board presence and momentum in the face of such destructive force.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shower of Coals MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Shower of Coals and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Shower of Coals has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |