Letter Bomb MTG Card

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 122★

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 122

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Letter Bomb helps maintain card advantage by compelling opponents to discard while potentially drawing new cards.
In red-inclusive decks, it can hinder opponent’s resource acceleration, gaining strategic tempo.
Versatility at instant speed allows for surprise moves, impacting the tournament’s outcome.

Text of card

When Letter Bomb enters the battlefield, sign it and shuffle it into target player's library. That player reveals each card they draw until they draw Letter Bomb. When that player draws Letter Bomb, it deals 19½ damage to them.

"Dear Magic R&D, . . ."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Letter Bomb card gives its controller a significant boost in card advantage by forcing an opponent to discard cards while potentially drawing you new options to maintain a stronghold in the match.

Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct source of mana, Letter Bomb can disrupt an opponent’s resource acceleration, creating an indirect benefit for the card’s controller by stalling an opponent’s development and gaining tempo.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Letter Bomb being playable at instant speed means it can be strategically cast during an opponent’s turn. This flexibility allows for better control of the game’s pace and can catch an opponent off-guard, potentially spoiling their plans.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Letter Bomb imposes a discard condition to trigger its effect, which can be a setback when your hand is already dwindling. This requirement might force players to make tough decisions about resource allocation, potentially discarding valuable cards in the process.

Specific Mana Cost: With a need for red mana, Letter Bomb’s integration is primarily effective in red-inclusive decks. This requirement can be restrictive, limiting deck-building options and excluding the card from mono-colored strategies that do not incorporate red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that can be considered steep relative to its effect, Letter Bomb competes with other cards that promise more impact or versatility for a similar or lower mana investment. This might make it a less attractive choice in formats that favor efficient and fast-paced play, where mana efficiency is paramount.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Letter Bomb provides flexibility in how it can be utilized, fitting into various strategy decks that thrive on surprising opponents with direct damage or unconventional win conditions.

Combo Potential: Its ability to deal damage directly to opponents when they draw it, combined with card manipulation tactics, can create devastating combos that can quickly swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games tend to last longer, the inevitable threat posed by Letter Bomb can apply pressure to opponents, forcing them to alter their gameplan to avoid its damaging effect.

How to beat

Overcoming the impact of Letter Bomb in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic finesse and timely reactions. This particular card can be viewed as a ticking timepiece that, once triggered, deals substantial damage to its target. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand its mechanism which lies in building up to a devastating turn for your opponent.

The key to defusing Letter Bomb lies in preventive measures. Maintaining control of the board or running counter-spells that can interrupt your opponent’s plans are practical tactics. Cards that allow you to shuffle or draw mitigate the set back as you reduce the chances of Letter Bomb staying on top of your library. Additionally, employing artifact removal options when the Bomb is in play but yet to be activated can thwart your opponent’s strategies. Disenchant, Naturalize, or other instant-speed spells that specifically target artifacts become invaluable tools in such scenarios.

Ultimately, circumventing the detrimental effects of Letter Bomb before it explodes boils down to wise deck construction and predictive in-game decisions. By incorporating elements that can counteract or avoid the Bomb’s damage, players can reduce the risk that this powerful card represents.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Letter Bomb MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged and Unhinged, 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 Letter Bomb and other MTG cards: