Torch Breath MTG Card

Instant-speed capability of Torch Breath provides strategic flexibility, especially response timing against opponents. Mana efficiency makes Torch Breath a game accelerator, allowing for earlier casting of high-cost spells. Versatile in its usage, Torch Breath enhances red decks and multi-color strategies with efficient removal.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set name	Streets of New Capenna
Set code	SNC
Number	127
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Cristi Balanescu

Text of card

This spell costs less to cast if it targets a blue permanent. This spell can't be countered. Torch Breath deals X damage to target creature or planeswalker.

"Fried squid, comin' up!"

Cards like Torch Breath

Torch Breath offers MTG players a versatile tool in their red strategies, blending direct damage with potential card advantage. It eschews the standard burn spell template, embracing a more flexible casting cost akin to cards like Fireball. This allows for scalable damage potential, placing it in a separate league from fixed damage spells like Shock, which always deals 2 damage regardless of the mana invested.

Dragon’s Fire is another spell that offers a similar flair, allowing damage output to hinge on the power of a Dragon you control or reveal from your hand. Unlike Torch Breath, Dragon’s Fire’s damage isn’t adjustable by the amount of mana spent, but it can potentially deal even greater damage at a lower cost if a powerful Dragon is in play. The card Flames of the Raze-Boar also shares some thematic similarities. Though it’s more costly mana-wise and deals damage to a wider array of targets, it doesn’t provide the scalability or the bonus of card draw given by Torch Breath when kicker cost is paid.

Evaluating Torch Breath in comparison to its counterparts, its flexible damage coupled with the additional card draw when kicked makes it a noteworthy choice for players seeking control through damage output and card advantage.

Flames of the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Torch Breath. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Boros Aggro	Gladiator		Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Torch Breath enables precise targeting to eliminate threats, often exchanging one card for an opponent’s key creature, shifting card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: With its mana efficient cost, Torch Breath can pave the way for your more costly spells to be played earlier, accelerating your resource deployment on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Torch Breath is further highlighted by its instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s moves during their turn or the end of their turn for optimal strategy execution.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Torch Breath means satisfying a discard obligation, which could present a hurdle when your hand is already depleted or when each card holds critical strategic value for upcoming turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Torch Breath demands a precise combination of mana, including red. This requirement may not align with all deck synergies, especially those that draw from a wider color palette or prioritize mana flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Analyzing the mana investment versus output ratio, Torch Breath’s mana requirement is on the higher side. Players may find other cards that can provide similar or better effects without such a substantial mana commitment, potentially offering a more efficient path to victory.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Torch Breath offers a flexible response option, fitting seamlessly into red-centric decks or multicolor setups looking for efficient removal. Its scalability with mana investment lets it adapt to various threats on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: Torch Breath can work in tandem with cards that amplify spell damage or with strategies that benefit from instant-speed interaction. It can be a key piece in combos that aim to clear the board or finish off an opponent.

Meta-Relevance: As decks often feature crucial early to mid-game creatures, Torch Breath can serve as a timely answer to many popular meta threats. Its place in your arsenal ensures you’re prepared for aggressive creature strategies common in competitive play.

How to beat

Torch Breath is a card that can deal a significant blow to creatures or opponents in a game of Magic: The Gathering. To effectively counter this spell, it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Primarily, the efficacy of Torch Breath hinges on having a high mountain count, rendering its impact somewhat predictable.

Strategically, maintaining a diversified mana base can mitigate the potency of Torch Breath. Additionally, employing instant-speed spells that can protect or buff your creatures will help you outmaneuver an opponent’s Torch Breath play. For instance, cards like Blossoming Defense grant your creatures a boost in toughness along with hexproof, ensuring their survival against the damage Torch Breath could inflict.

Moreover, incorporating counterspells or utilizing abilities that can change the target of spells also undermines Torch Breath’s reliability. By staying ahead of your opponent’s strategy and keeping versatile responses at hand, you can neutralize the threat that Torch Breath poses and maintain a strong position on the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Torch Breath MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Torch Breath and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Torch Breath has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal