Surging Flame MTG Card
2006-01-01 - Number 9
2006-07-21 - Number 99
2002-06-24 - Number 35178
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Ripple |
Text of card
Ripple 4 (When you cast this spell, you may reveal the top four cards of your library. You may cast spells with the same name as this spell from among those cards without paying their mana costs. Put the rest on the bottom of your library.) Surging Flame deals 2 damage to any target.
Cards like Surging Flame
Surging Flame holds its own within the pantheon of instant-speed spells in Magic: The Gathering that deal direct damage. Its kinship is closest to cards like Lightning Bolt, renowned for its efficiency in delivering three points of damage at a low cost. However, Surging Flame introduces a twist with the ability to copy the spell if you’ve cast another spell named Surging Flame this turn, potentially doubling the impact.
Comparatively, we have Forked Bolt, which allows the player to split two damage as they choose among one or two targets. Although this offers flexibility, it does not possess the potential to replicate itself like Surging Flame. Incinerate is another relative, presenting a similar damage output, but its inability to prevent regeneration of creatures is a notable difference, particularly in formats where regeneration is a common tactic.
In the realm of red damage spells, Surging Flame offers an intriguing advantage for players looking to capitalize on casting multiple spells in a single turn. While it may not be as mana-efficient as some alternatives, the surprise factor and potential for a high-damage turn make it a compelling choice in specific MTG decks.
Cards similar to Surging Flame by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Surging Flame offers the ability to potentially knock cards out of your opponent’s hand while also giving you the chance to pull ahead by playing additional cards. This dual benefit means you’re not just controlling the board; you’re also shaping your future turns with a thicker stack of options.
Resource Acceleration: When casting Surging Flame, the cost-to-effect ratio can lead to a significant tempo swing. If played strategically, this can open the door for more devastating plays in the same turn or prepare the field for a strong follow-up on your next turn.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Surging Flame at instant speed grants you the power to respond decisively to your opponent’s actions. This reactive capability puts pressure on your opponent to play around your open mana, leading to potential misplays on their part or safeguarding your board from threats when most needed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Surging Flame necessitates discarding a card as part of its casting cost. This can be particularly punishing when your hand is already running low on cards, potentially sacrificing vital late-game options for an immediate yet fleeting advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands an exact mana combination to play, requiring both red and generic mana. This mana specificity can be restricting, especially in multicolored decks that may need mana flexibility to cast a diverse array of spells efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Surging Flame offers a burst of damage, its mana cost is on the higher end for its damage output category. In decks focusing on efficiency and tempo, the mana investment may not correlate to the impact expected or needed at the stage of the game when four mana becomes available.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Surging Flame offers adaptability across numerous archetypes due to its instant speed and scalable damage output. This makes it a controllable tool for both aggressive and controlling strategies, fitting seamlessly into various game plans.
Combo Potential: With the ability to copy itself under the right conditions, Surging Flame possesses a natural synergy with spellslinger decks that aim to cast multiple spells in a single turn, thereby amplifying its effect exponentially.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creatures or tempo plays dominate, Surging Flame comes in handy as it can remove early threats or even close out games when the damage scales up. Its relevance adjusts with the flow of the competitive scene, ensuring it remains a pertinent choice.
How to beat
Surging Flame is a potent magic card, offering a swift and formidable boost in a match. The card radiates power, allowing players to blitz their opponents with sudden strikes. But knowing how to counter this fiery spell can be just as impactful as wielding it.
One strategy to extinguish the threat is to prioritize the removal of creatures from the battlefield. Cards with high toughness can withstand the initial surge of damage, minimizing Surging Flame’s impact. Additionally, having instant-speed removal or counterspells at the ready can snuff out Surging Flame before it ignites.
Using damage prevention methods or cards that can absorb or redirect spells can also serve as a sturdy firebreak against this incendiary card. Swift intervention is key, as is maintaining a diverse set of responses within your deck to ensure you’re not left scorched in Surging Flame’s wake.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Surging Flame MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Arena League 2006, 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 Surging Flame 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 Surging Flame Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-01-01 and 2006-07-21. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35178 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | ||
| 2 | 2006-01-01 | Arena League 2006 | PAL06 | 9 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap | CSP | 99 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Surging Flame has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |