Barbed Lightning MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Entwine
Released	2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Darksteel
Set code	DST
Number	55
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Hugh Jamieson

Key Takeaways

Optimal use of Barbed Lightning generates board advantage, leveraging its entwine mechanic for dual utility.
Its instant-speed allows for dynamic play, disrupting opponents and maintaining pace in your strategy.
Despite mana cost and discard conditions, the card’s versatility makes it an intriguing tactical choice.

Text of card

Choose one Barbed Lightning deals 3 damage to target creature; or Barbed Lightning deals 3 damage to target player. Entwine (Choose both if you pay the entwine cost.)

Every creature on Mirrodin is a lightning rod.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Barbed Lightning doesn’t let you draw cards directly, it offers flexibility through its entwine cost. By paying the entwine, you get to deal damage to both a creature and player, effectively handling two problems at once which could lead to a card advantage on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Barbed Lightning doesn’t provide resource acceleration in the traditional sense of ramping or generating additional mana. However, its utility in removing blockers or threats efficiently can help keep your resources focused on progressing your game plan without delay.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Barbed Lightning adds a strategic layer of unpredictability for your opponent. It allows you to make pivotal plays during your opponent’s turn, potentially disrupting their strategy or removing key creatures before they can execute crucial attacks or abilities.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With Barbed Lightning, there is a trade-off to achieve greater flexibility. Electing to use the entwine cost to take advantage of both the damage and trample effects necessitates the additional cost of discarding a card, potentially depleting valuable hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Barbed Lightning’s exacting mana cost, including two colorless and one red mana, ties it strictly to red-based or compatible decks. This can limit its utility in multicolored deck strategies that may struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card carries a relatively steep total cost for its damage output when considering entwine. There are other options available that offer similar effects without the burden of such a high mana investment, which can be crucial in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.

Reasons to Include Barbed Lightning in Your Collection

Versatility: Barbed Lightning offers flexibility in gameplay, able to act as both creature removal or direct player damage. Its adaptability makes it useful in various situations, whether you’re ahead or behind on the board.

Combo Potential: With its option to be cast with entwine, this card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on spell effects. It can be paired with cards that care about instant-speed interactions or those that trigger upon dealing noncombat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors aggressive strategies, being able to remove threats or finish off an opponent with direct damage can be critical. Barbed Lightning holds its ground as a valuable tool in such environments.

How to beat

Barbed Lightning is a versatile card in the realm of instant spells, with the ability to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. Its potential lies in choosing between dealing damage to creatures or players while also having the entwine option for additional flexibility. However, this dual-utility can be mitigated. One way to counteract the threat posed by Barbed Lightning is by using cards that protect your creatures from being targeted, such as those with the hexproof ability. This preventative measure ensures your key creatures remain untouched by single-target removal.

Additionally, employing counterspells is an effective strategy to neutralize Barbed Lightning before it can have an impact on the game state. Arm yourself with spell counters like Negate or Swan Song to intercept and thwart your opponent’s plans. It’s also wise to maintain a healthy life total, making it less likely for your opponent to finish you off with a direct Barbed Lightning hit. With the right defensive maneuvers and awareness of when to deploy them, overcoming this damaging spell can most certainly be achieved within your games.

Ultimately, understanding the nuances of Barbed Lightning’s strengths and weaknesses can guide players in crafting a poised response to it, enhancing their overall resilience against such instant-speed threats in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards like Barbed Lightning

Barbed Lightning stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an adaptable removal spell with the potential for direct damage to players. It’s often measured against other burn cards, like Lightning Bolt, one of the most iconic spells in the game. Lightning Bolt delivers immediate impact with its one-mana cost for three damage but lacks the flexibility of choosing between a creature or a player and the enticing entwine cost that Barbed Lightning offers.

Another comparable card is Chandra’s Pyrohelix, which also allows players to divide damage between multiple targets. Yet, it doesn’t offer the single-player impact damage that Barbed Lightning can achieve. Searing Spear offers a similar three damage for two mana but is a sorcery, limiting its use compared to the instant speed of Barbed Lightning, making it a versatile choice in tight situations.

Considering these counterparts, Barbed Lightning is a card that competes well within its niche. Its dual capabilities of acting as creature removal or a finisher, paired with its entwine mechanic, gives it a notable edge in strategic plays where timing and options are key.

Cards similar to Barbed Lightning by color, type and mana cost

Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions

Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Barbed Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, 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 Barbed Lightning and other MTG cards: