Pit Fight MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Fight

Key Takeaways

  1. Instant speed allows for dynamic control of combat, making Pit Fight a versatile removal spell.
  2. Enables card advantage by removing threats without losing your creatures, influencing gameplay significantly.
  3. Pit Fight demands specific mana types, which challenges deck construction for optimized use.

Text of card

Target creature you control fights another target creature. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.)

"All the coins in Ravnica can't save his soul now." —Narbulg Nine Fingers


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Pit Fight doesn’t draw you cards directly, it often equates to card advantage by eliminating an opponent’s key creature. Knocking out a valuable threat without losing your own creature can sway the tide of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Pit Fight itself doesn’t provide mana or resource acceleration. However, by selectively removing a creature that impedes your strategy, it can clear the way for your mana dorks or other resource-accelerating creatures to do their job unobstructed.

Instant Speed: One of Pit Fight’s strengths is its instant speed, allowing you to choose the timing of your creature’s battle. This flexibility lets you wait for the most opportune moment, like after your opponent has declared attackers or cast spells, maximizing the impact of your removal and potentially disrupting their plans.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging in a Pit Fight means being ready to lose something in the fray. This card necessitates the formidable task of discarding another card, a strategic setback that could cost you valuable momentum if you’re already stretching your resources thin.

Specific Mana Cost: Wielding the power of a Pit Fight isn’t as simple as mustering any energy you have at hand. The demanding nature of its specific mana cost, requiring precise energy types, could sideline the card in decks that are not finely tuned to accommodate this color-intensive demand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the vast world of MTG, mana is the currency of the realm, and a Pit Fight’s cost can be steep compared to other spells swirling in the meta. Its mana price tag for the option of creature combat may overshadow its combat benefits, as savvier players might lean towards more economically castable alternatives for control over the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Pit Fight in Your Collection

Versatility: Pit Fight provides a flexible removal option that can be slotted into various deck archetypes. Because it allows for creature-on-creature combat outside the normal combat phase, it offers strategic removal at instant speed, which can be a game-changer in many situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that focus on creatures with tap or damage-triggered abilities. By forcing a creature to fight, you not only remove a potential threat but also activate those abilities, effectively getting double the value from your creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks dominate, Pit Fight holds significant value as a tool for controlling the board. It has the capacity to disrupt your opponent’s game plan by choosing advantageous fights that can swing the tide of battle in your favor.


How to beat

Pit Fight is an intriguing instant card that allows players to choose two creatures that fight each other. This can be a strategic play in decks capable of manipulating combat outcomes to their advantage. Despite its potential, there are ways to come out on top when facing this card on the battlefield. Having creatures with high toughness can deter your opponent from selecting them as fight participants. Additionally, running cards that grant your creatures indestructibility for a turn can render Pit Fight’s effect moot, preserving your board presence.

Another strategy is to have instant speed removal or bounce spells in hand. Casting these in response to Pit Fight’s activation can effectively counter the attempt to force creature combat, leaving the opposing creature without a target and wasting your opponent’s card. Lastly, incorporating hexproof or shroud abilities to protect your creatures ensures they cannot be targeted by spells like Pit Fight, securing your creatures from such hostile engagements.

Navigating around Pit Fight requires a mix of smart deck building and quick responses during gameplay. By considering these tactics, you can mitigate the impact of Pit Fight and maintain control over the board.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG players seeking to enhance their decks with strategic creature removal should not overlook Pit Fight. Its ability to turn the tables in creature-heavy metas makes it a valuable asset. The instant speed fight mechanic paired with deck synergy can lead to devastating combat wins and triggered abilities. Fine-tune your collection and maximize board control with Pit Fight. Propel your MTG prowess further by exploring the depth of combat spells and their tactical uses within your decks. Eager to advance your gameplay and incorporate Pit Fight effectively? Dive deep with us for card insights and deck-building strategies that will sharpen your edge in the arena.


Cards like Pit Fight

Pit Fight occupies an interesting niche in the realm of creature removal spells in MTG. It shares similarities with Prey Upon, a classic fight spell that allows player-controlled creatures to battle those of the opponent. Pit Fight offers more flexibility by being an instant, allowing for surprise engagements on the enemy’s turn. Prey Upon, while cheaper, is restricted to sorcery speed and foregoes the element of surprise.

Another comparable card is Domri’s Ambush, which notches up the game by adding a +1/+1 counter to the creature you control prior to the fight. It guarantees a stronger creature engagement, but aligns with sorcery speed, like Prey Upon. Comparatively, Pit Fight does not power up your creature but trades that for instant speed interaction. Then, Tail Slash deserves a mention, as it represents a direct damage variant to Prey Upon, allowing targeted damage at the expense of being a sorcery.

Evaluating these options, Pit Fight stands out for players valuing instant speed interactions and seeking to maintain the momentum of play, potentially catching an adversary off-guard during their turn in MTG. Its appeal lies in the strategic advantage of timing, even though it may not bolster a creature’s strength like some of its combat-focused counterparts.

Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Domri's Ambush - MTG Card versions
Tail Slash - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Domri's Ambush - MTG Card versions
Tail Slash - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pit Fight by color, type and mana cost

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Surge of Strength - MTG Card versions
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Artifact Mutation - MTG Card versions
Ancient Grudge - MTG Card versions
Manamorphose - MTG Card versions
Colossal Might - MTG Card versions
Signal the Clans - MTG Card versions
Gruul Charm - MTG Card versions
Destructive Revelry - MTG Card versions
Atarka's Command - MTG Card versions
Colossal Growth - MTG Card versions
Friendly Rivalry - MTG Card versions
Questing Druid // Seek the Beast - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pit Fight MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and RNA Guild Kit, 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 Pit Fight and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pit Fight Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 2232003NormalBlackMatt Stewart
22019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 932015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
32024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2022015NormalBlackMatt Stewart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pit Fight has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pit Fight card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-01-24 If either target of Pit Fight is an illegal target when the ability tries to resolve, neither creature will deal or be dealt damage.
2013-01-24 The second target of Pit Fight can be another creature you control, but it can’t be the same creature as the first target.

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