Word of Blasting MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 224
1997-03-24 - Number 276
1999-10-04 - Number 228
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Bury target wall. Word of Blasting deals an amount of damage equal to that wall's casting cost to the wall's controller.
"Walls? What walls?" —Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Cards like Word of Blasting
Word of Blasting holds a niche position within Magic: The Gathering’s arsenal of removal spells. It can be likened to cards like Shatter, which also targets artifacts for destruction. What sets Word of Blasting apart is its direct damage to the controller of the artifact. Unlike Word of Blasting, Shatter does not deal damage, thus it can be less impactful in a tight stronghold of artifact-laden boards.
Examining the similarities further, we can bring into comparison Manic Vandal. While Manic Vandal does not deal damage to the opponent, it has the advantage of presenting a creature on the battlefield, which could be crucial in the long run. Additionally, there’s Ancient Grudge. Though it doesn’t inflict damage, Ancient Grudge offers a two-fold utility with its flashback ability, providing prolonged artifact control.
In the scope of Magic: The Gathering, the strategic depth of Word of Blasting shines when contemplating board states cluttered with problematic artifacts. Its unique ability to simultaneously remove a threat and chip away at an opponent’s life total is what solidifies its role among its counterparts.
Cards similar to Word of Blasting by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Word of Blasting provides a strategic upper hand by removing key threats on your opponent’s battlefield. Trimming their creature base can erode their defenses and leave them vulnerable to your attacks.
Resource Acceleration: By targeting artifact creatures, Word of Blasting can potentially disrupt your opponent’s mana base if they rely on mana dorks or artifacts for ramp. This can slow their game plan down considerably and give you the lead in resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Word of Blasting at instant speed grants you flexibility. You can respond to an opponent’s moves during their turn or end step, maximizing the timing of your actions and maintaining the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The casting of Word of Blasting necessitates the discard of a card, potentially putting players at a disadvantage by reducing hand size. This can be particularly crippling in the late game where every card in hand is vital.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a precise combination of mana, the Word of Blasting can be tricky to fit into a multicolored deck. The color intensiveness of its cost could constrain deck building and limit its versatility across different deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating its effectiveness, Word of Blasting’s mana cost is on the higher end for its impact on the game. This may deter players from including it in their deck over cards with similar effects that are more cost-efficient, affecting its playability in competitive settings.
Reasons to Include [THEME] in Your Collection
Versatility: Word of Blasting proves to be an adaptable tool in red decks, offering a direct way to deal with pesky artifacts. Whether you’re playing casual or competitive, its ability to dispatch problematic equipment or utility artifacts makes it a worthy inclusion.
Combo Potential: For those seeking to craft intricate plays, this card can work wonders in tandem with strategies that benefit from artifact destruction. It can disrupt your opponent’s plans while paving the way for your combos to unfold.
Meta-Relevance: Given that many formats often feature strong artifact-centered strategies, having Word of Blasting in your arsenal ensures you stay one step ahead. It’s a precise response to common threats in the evolving metagame, helping to maintain your deck’s competitive edge.
How to beat
Word of Blasting is an impactful spell that can catch many MTG players off guard, swiftly removing key artifacts from the battlefield. Dealing with this card requires a strategic approach, focusing on the preservation and defense of your artifacts. One effective tactic involves utilizing counter spells to thwart Word of Blasting before it can dismantle your game plan. It’s also advisable to have a diversity of threats on the board; so losing an artifact doesn’t severely set you back.
Moreover, incorporating hexproof or shroud-enabling cards will shield your artifacts from being targeted, rendering Word of Blasting ineffective. Another proactive strategy is to watch out for the mana the opponent has available. Since Word of Blasting costs a specific amount of mana, predicting when they have enough resources to cast it can give you the upper hand. Allowing you to either play around it or bait it out when the consequence is more manageable. Remember that staying mindful of the spells your opponent has at their disposal and adapting your strategy accordingly can provide you with a significant advantage.
In essence, while Word of Blasting has the potential to swing games with its direct approach to artifact destruction, a well-prepared MTG player can navigate around it, keeping their artifacts and their win-condition safe.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Word of Blasting MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Word of Blasting 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 Word of Blasting Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 1999-10-04. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 224 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Ken Meyer, Jr. | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 276 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ken Meyer, Jr. | |
| 3 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 228 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Eric Peterson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Word of Blasting has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |