Backlash MTG Card


Backlash turns opponent creature strength into direct damage, offering a unique card advantage. Instant speed play enables strategic surprise moves, disrupting opponent strategies effectively. Requires careful balance of mana and hand resources, presenting a challenge in deck construction.
Backlash - Invasion
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameInvasion
Set codeINV
Number234
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byChippy

Text of card

Tap target untapped creature. That creature deals damage equal to its power to its controller.

Darigaaz decided his foe would be more useful as a weapon.


Cards like Backlash

Backlash is an intriguing instant in the MTG landscape, known for its ability to turn an opponent’s strength against them by using their powerful creatures’ attack power to deplete their own life points. Cards like Delirium and Power of Fire share this clever manipulation of enemy forces, yet each offers unique advantages. Delirium, for instance, can incapacitate an opponent’s creature for a single turn, while Power of Fire allows for repeated damage output by giving a creature the ability to tap for direct damage.

Another card that comes to mind is Reflect Damage, which also redirects damage from a source to its controller or another target. However, Reflect Damage’s utility comes at a higher mana cost and targets only a single source of damage. This makes Backlash more versatile during the enemies’ combative onslaught while keeping the mana curve low. Not to forget the direct and swift nature of Backlash, which can be a game-changer when timing is crucial.

Ultimately, within the MTG universe, Backlash finds its place as a strategic defensive weapon. It efficiently utilizes the might of an adversary’s creature against them and does so with an element of surprise, making it a valuable card and a sneaky addition to any spell-slinger’s arsenal.

Delirium - MTG Card versions
Power of Fire - MTG Card versions
Reflect Damage - MTG Card versions
Delirium - MTG Card versions
Power of Fire - MTG Card versions
Reflect Damage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Backlash by color, type and mana cost

Fire Covenant - MTG Card versions
Delirium - MTG Card versions
Spontaneous Combustion - MTG Card versions
Unlicensed Disintegration - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan's Command - MTG Card versions
Strangling Soot - MTG Card versions
Fires of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Auger Spree - MTG Card versions
Showstopper - MTG Card versions
Bedevil - MTG Card versions
Warhost's Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Fire Covenant - MTG Card versions
Delirium - MTG Card versions
Spontaneous Combustion - MTG Card versions
Unlicensed Disintegration - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan's Command - MTG Card versions
Strangling Soot - MTG Card versions
Fires of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Auger Spree - MTG Card versions
Showstopper - MTG Card versions
Bedevil - MTG Card versions
Warhost's Frenzy - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Backlash gives players an edge by potentially negating a high-power opponent’s creature and drawing a card, thus maintaining card flow and balance in their hand.

Resource Acceleration: Through direct damage to an opponent, Backlash can contribute to a quicker victory, effectively accelerating the game’s resource—time—toward your favor.

Instant Speed: With its capability to be played at instant speed, Backlash allows strategic flexibility, perfect for disrupting opponent attacks or plays by turning their strength against them when they least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Backlash is that it necessitates you to part with another card from your hand. In games where card advantage is crucial, this could be a setback, especially when you are running low on cards or need every piece of the puzzle for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a precise combination of mana colors to cast. This can be a challenge in decks that don’t heavily feature red or other required colors, potentially causing Backlash to sit idle in your hand at critical moments.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Backlash asking for three mana, it may come across as a steep investment, particularly for a reactive card. This could deter players, as there are alternatives that might serve similar purposes without the significant mana expenditure.


Reasons to Include Backlash in Your Collection

Versatility: Backlash offers versatility in game play, with its ability to turn an opponent’s strength against them. It can be a pivotal card in decks that aim to control or manipulate combat outcomes.

Combo Potential: This card demonstrates strong potential when combined with strategies that aim to neutralize the biggest threats at the table. By dealing damage equal to an opponent’s creature’s power, it opens up creative combos and can work seamlessly with damage doublers or other effects that capitalize on life total changes.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where large, powerful creatures dominate, Backlash becomes an essential tool. The ability to remove a key creature while potentially damaging its controller offers significant swing potential in both casual and competitive play environments.


How to beat

Backlash is an intriguing and tactical card within the MTG universe, known for its capacity to turn an opponent’s strength into their downfall. Unlike other damage redirection spells, Backlash doesn’t need a powerful creature to be effective — it simply requires an opponent’s tapped creature. This ability can catch many players off guard, particularly those who lean heavily on one heavyweight attacker to dominate the game.

To successfully navigate around Backlash’s blowback, focus on diversifying your threats. Avoid overcommitting to a single creature and maintain a balanced board state. It may be wise to hold back on attacking with your most powerful creature if you suspect your opponent has Backlash at the ready. Alternatively, consider cards with untap abilities to keep your heavy hitters ready to respond or use instant-speed removal or hexproof to prevent Backlash from targeting your invaluable creatures.

Properly anticipating Backlash’s deployment can thus neutralize its potential impact. Deliberate diversification and strategic foresight can shift the tide of battle, ensuring that your most potent creatures continue to press the advantage without falling victim to their own strength.


BurnMana Recommendations

Successful MTG gameplay is about making informed decisions and creating a deck with a robust strategy. Backlash is a card that can turn the tide of a game in your favor by using an opponent’s creature’s power against them. As you consider adding Backlash to your collection, think about its potential to enhance your tactical plays and its synergy with your current deck’s strategy. Remember, a well-rounded deck isn’t only about power—it’s about adaptability and control. Dive deeper into the strategic uses of Backlash and refine your gameplay with us for a competitive edge in your next match. For the full scoop on mastering Backlash in your MTG battles, join the BurnMana community.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Backlash MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Backlash and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Backlash has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Being untapped is a targeting restriction. If the target is tapped before this spell resolves, then this spell doesn’t resolve.