Spreading Flames MTG Card

Provides card efficiency by handling several threats with a single spell. Instant speed allows for strategic plays during any turn phase. Demands high red mana, potentially restricting its deck compatibility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2016-07-22
Set symbol
Set name	Eldritch Moon
Set code	EMN
Number	143
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Chase Stone

Text of card

Spreading Flames deals 6 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures.

"Hang on. I'm just tidying up." —Chandra Nalaar

Cards like Spreading Flames

Spreading Flames is an intriguing red spell in Magic: The Gathering. It reminds seasoned players of various mass damage spells, yet it holds its own unique place. When examining cards like Rolling Thunder, we can recognize the similarity in distributing multiple points of damage among any number of creatures. However, Spreading Flames’ distinct nature emerges with a fixed seven damage points, whereas Rolling Thunder’s versatility comes with adjustability at the cost of more mana for greater damage output.

Likewise, we note the resemblance to Flames of the Raze-Boar, which offers the potential for massive damage. Still, it limits its additional damage exclusively to creatures with higher power. Spreading Flames doesn’t discriminate on power levels, allowing it to affect a wider range of targets. Then there is the likes of Inferno, casting a wider net with its ability to inflict damage to all creatures and players, albeit at a higher mana value. The focused control over targeted damage is something Spreading Flames boasts, contrasting with Inferno’s more indiscriminate approach.

Ultimately, while Spreading Flames may share the stage with other red sweeping damage spells, it carves out its niche with targeted precision and a considerable damage cap that can shift the momentum of the game in a player’s favor.

Flames of the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Spreading Flames by color, type and mana cost

Divergent Transformations - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spreading Flames allows for the potential to remove multiple threats at once, effectively reducing the need for additional removal cards and boosting your card efficiency in a game.

Resource Acceleration: By dealing damage divided as you choose among any number of targets, this card can swiftly change the state of the board and accelerate your strategy by clearing the way for your attackers to hit your opponent unimpeded.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Spreading Flames gives you the flexibility to adapt to the board state on your turn or in response to your opponents’ actions, making it a versatile tool for controlling the pace of the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Spreading Flames is the necessity to discard a card when you play it. This action can prove to be a significant setback, especially in a tight game where every card counts, leaving you at a potential disadvantage with one less option in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Spreading Flames demands a specific mana combination to cast, requiring a substantial amount of red mana. This characteristic tends to limit its inclusion to decks that heavily favor red or have a particularly robust mana base capable of generating large amounts of red mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that is on the higher end of the scale, Spreading Flames might not be as cost-effective as other similar cards. In situations where mana efficiency is critical, players might opt for alternatives that offer a similar impact on the game without the hefty mana requirement.

Reasons to Include Spreading Flames in Your Collection

Versatility: Spreading Flames is a flexible card that can be incorporated into various deck archetypes. It serves well in control decks that need to clear multiple threats at once or in midrange builds looking to maintain board superiority.

Combo Potential: This card can work as a key piece in strategies looking to deal damage across several targets. It pairs well with cards that benefit from spell casting or damage dealing, thriving in decks built around instants and sorceries.

Meta-Relevance: With a shift towards creature-heavy decks, Spreading Flames retains value. It can disrupt your opponent’s board presence significantly, making it a timely inclusion against decks that tend to swarm the battlefield with numerous creatures.

How to beat

The card Spreading Flames is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, often swinging the game decisively in favor of the casting player in MTG. Its ability to deal six damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures means it can wipe clean a wide array of threats your opponents control. However, no card is unbeatable.

To counteract Spreading Flames, flexibility in your deck is key. Including instant-speed spells that can protect your creatures is a tactical approach. Spells like Gods Willing or even running counterspells like Negate can negate the effect completely, leaving your opponent’s mana spent with no impact. Moreover, leaning on low-cost, high-impact creatures allows you to rebound quickly even if Spreading Flames resolves. Additionally, utilizing cards that grant indestructibility or regenerate your creatures can render Spreading Flames moot. Efficient play and strategic thinking are your best defenses against this powerful spell.

Tactical adaptation and profound insight into the game’s mechanics are indispensable when facing powerful cards like Spreading Flames. Once you know the weak points and adopt the right strategy, maintaining control becomes a matter of patience and timing. Adapt your playstyle, and even the fiercest flames can be extinguished.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spreading Flames MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon, 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 Spreading Flames and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spreading Flames has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spreading Flames card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2016-07-13	If Spreading Flames has multiple targets, and some, but not all, are illegal targets when Spreading Flames tries to resolve, Spreading Flames will still deal damage to the remaining legal targets according to the original damage division. If all the targets are illegal, the spell won’t resolve.
2016-07-13	You announce how the damage will be divided as part of casting Spreading Flames. Each chosen target must receive at least 1 damage.