Firefright Mage MTG Card


Firefright Mage - Planar Chaos
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Spellshaper
Released2007-02-02
Set symbol
Set namePlanar Chaos
Set codePLC
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number99
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byGreg Staples

Key Takeaways

  1. Boosts card advantage through drawing abilities, fortifying mid to late-game plays.
  2. Permits instant speed plays that enhance strategic options during the game.
  3. Requires careful card discard management to fully utilize its game-changing potential.

Text of card

, , Discard a card: Target creature can't be blocked this turn except by artifact creatures and/or red creatures.

After millennia of advancement in goblin military theory, Toggo VI realized that almost everyone is afraid of fire.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Firefright Mage provides value as you cast it by potentially discarding a less useful card, offering the chance for card replacement plus an additional draw through its prowess in mid to late game scenarios.

Resource Acceleration: Its mana cost is reasonable and synergistic with decks focusing on rapid deployment – allowing for a swift tempo play, setting up earlier pressure, or paving the way for a game-changing spell in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Firefright Mage can be played at instant speed, offering strategic flexibility that keeps your opponents guessing. This can be especially potent when you want to make on-the-fly decisions, adjust to battlefield changes, or optimize the timing for its abilities to disrupt enemy plans.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To make the most of Firefright Mage’s abilities, players need to discard a card which could pose a strategic challenge when hand size is crucial to a player’s endgame. Carefully weighing which card to discard is mandatory to harness this card’s full potential without sacrificing too much of your resources.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes red mana, Firefright Mage may not effortlessly fit into multi-colored deck strategies, particularly those that aren’t centered around red mana. This could potentially limit the card’s versatility and restrict its inclusion to mostly red or red-compatible decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Firefright Mage comes with beneficial abilities, its mana cost is a point of concern. There are alternative cards that offer significant abilities or creatures for a lower mana investment, so players will have to evaluate if Firefright Mage is the best option for their strategy considering the resources it demands.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Firefright Mage offers a flexible playstyle striking a balance between offense and utility. This card can seamlessly integrate into aggressive red decks or act as a strategic placeholder, adapting to various game scenarios with ease.

Combo Potential: With an ability to boost other creatures or potentially unlock powerful spell combos, Firefright Mage can be a game-changer. Its synergy with spells that care about casting or copying red spells turns it into a valuable combo piece.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where the meta shifts with each new set, having a card like Firefright Mage that fits into the fast-paced aggressive decks can be crucial. Its potential interaction with popular strategies makes it a sound addition to any red deck builder’s arsenal.


How to beat

Confronting Firefright Mage on the battlefield requires a strategy that focuses on disabling its key strengths. Renowned for its prowess in aggro decks, this cunning Mage can be a thorn in your side if not addressed swiftly. The card’s signature ability to disrupt opponent’s creatures adds an extra layer of resilience to your rival’s early game efforts. To best this fiery adversary, consider utilizing removal spells that can target Firefright Mage before its ability becomes a recurring problem. Timing is crucial, as you’ll want to neutralize it before buffs or combat tricks can be applied.

Moreover, incorporating creature cards with higher toughness can serve as a formidable wall against Firefright Mage’s onslaught. This not only blunts the card’s offensive impact but also preserves your life total, giving you a prolonged presence in the game. Another practical measure is to limit the Mage’s influence by lowering the number of creatures it can affect; in other words, field fewer creatures, but make sure they’re impactful. In essence, striking a balance between removing the threat early and building a strong defensive line will position you well in overcoming the challenge posed by Firefright Mage.


Cards like Firefright Mage

Firefright Mage adds strategic nuance to the suite of red creature spells in MTG. Its kinship is close to cards like Goblin Arsonist, a creature that allows you to deal damage upon death. Unlike Goblin Arsonist, Firefright Mage offers a repeatable effect, granted you have the mana to fuel its ability, enhancing its tactical flexibility during gameplay. Another relative in this family is the Rakdos Shred-Freak, a hasty creature with similar assault potential, but Firefright Mage stands out with its potential for damage amplification.

Plunging headfirst into comparison, we consider Ember Hauler. This creature too can deal direct damage, yet it requires a sacrifice, unlike the controlled burst that Firefright Mage can provide turn after turn. The pivotal aspect here is the resource management and how the permanence of Firefright Mage can offer continued threats without the immediate need for self-sacrifice. This gives players a lingering presence on the board that can influence the opponent’s strategy extensively.

Firefright Mage shines in its category through the promise of persistent threat and board control. It stands as a testament to the design philosophy of granting red spells both burst damage and recurring impact, making it a card worth considering for those looking to ignite their assault with precision and resilience.

Goblin Arsonist - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Shred-Freak - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Goblin Arsonist - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Rakdos Shred-Freak - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Ember Hauler - Magic 2011 (M11)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Firefright Mage MTG card by a specific set like Planar Chaos, 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 Firefright Mage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Firefright Mage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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