Start // Fire MTG Card
2019-11-07 - Number 101
2021-08-20 - Number 101
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Fire deals 2 damage divided as you choose among one or two targets.
Cards like Start // Fire
Start // Fire illuminates the battlefield with its flexible options, akin to other modal spells that offer players multiple choice tactics. This card mirrors the dynamics of cards such as Shock or Lightning Bolt when considering the direct damage aspect. Shock presents a direct and less resource-intensive way to deal damage, while Lightning Bolt escalates the potential damage, albeit at a slightly higher mana cost.
Expanding comparisons, there’s also the versatile Flames of the Raze-Boar, which provides a direct damage effect but can potentially offer a wider range of damage distribution depending on your board state. Though both Start // Fire and Flames of the Raze-Boar give control over the damage dealt, they differentiate in the extent of their specific utility and the situations where they shine. Start // Fire, for instance, stands out with its split card utility, allowing for a quick damage response or a tactical creature deployment.
Looking at these aspects, Start // Fire holds a unique position in the realm of damage and creature spells. It’s the combination of immediate impact and flexible casting options that could pivot a game in your favor, making it a competitive choice amongst its fiery counterparts.
Cards similar to Start // Fire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The ‘Start // Fire’ card offers a dual utility. This allows players to potentially eliminate a threat while also developing their board state, maintaining momentum, and ensuring you’re not falling behind in the race to control the game.
Resource Acceleration: While ‘Start // Fire’ doesn’t directly produce mana or treasure, its capability to remove smaller creatures can help maintain your tempo, clearing the way for a more efficient use of your mana resources in forthcoming turns.
Instant Speed: The ‘Fire’ half of the card can be cast at instant speed, providing you with the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn. This adaptability helps you to better manage your resources, keeping opponents on their toes and allowing for strategic plays that can tilt the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the trade-offs for initiating the potent effects of Start // Fire involves a discard cost. Committing to play this dynamic card means you may need to let go of another precious card in hand, which might not always be advantageous, especially when your options are already thin.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Start // Fire is specific and requires a set amount of red mana, thus, it can be restrictive. If you’re looking to incorporate this card into your deck, it’s essential to ensure that a red mana pool is within reach, posing a limitation on deck versatility and potentially hindering its play in multi-colored decks not heavily invested in red.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to resource allocation, Start // Fire can be a bit demanding with its higher mana cost. For decks aiming to optimize every mana and maintain tempo, there are alternatives that might execute similar tasks at a lower mana expense. Balancing the impactful outcome of Start // Fire with its mana requirements is key to maximizing its potential in gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Start // Fire offers a flexible choice between a quick damage spell and a pivotal draw spell, both crucial at different stages of the game. This adaptability allows it to seamlessly integrate into various deck strategies.
Combo Potential: The instant speed of Start // Fire enables powerful interactions with other cards, potentially clearing the way for your creatures to attack or casting it after an opponent’s spell for a surprising shift in the game’s dynamics.
Meta-Relevance: Given its dual nature and immediate impact, Start // Fire remains relevant in environments where board control and tempo dictate the pace, offering strategic advantages against a broad spectrum of decks.
How to beat
Start // Fire is a dual-faceted Instant card that delivers flexibility for MTG players adept at maneuvering through enemy defenses. With Start providing an immediate defense by creating two 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens and Fire offering a strategic 2 damage to divide as you choose amongst creatures or players, this card is a tool for turning the tides of a match. To effectively counter this tactical card, efficient removal spells are key. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dismantle their offense swiftly, considering the timing to bypass the instant speed of Start // Fire.
Control decks that rely on counter spells also have an upper hand against it. A well-timed Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto can neutralize Start // Fire before it influences the board. Another effective strategy is to proactively manage the battlefield through sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation, clearing out tokens before your opponent can capitalize on them and minimizing the impact of their strategic damage split. Ultimately, understanding when to disrupt the card’s two-pronged approach with targeted removal or broad counters will help you maintain control against its onslaught.
Adapting your playstyle and keeping these strategies in mind will help you cut short Start // Fire’s potential advantage and ensure you remain one step ahead in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Start // Fire MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021, 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 Start // Fire 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
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Printings
The Start // Fire Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Nelson Brown.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 | CMB1 | 101 | 2015 | Split | Black | Nelson Brown | |
| 2 | 2021-08-20 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021 | CMB2 | 101 | 2015 | Split | Black | Nelson Brown |