Burst Lightning MTG Card


Delivers card advantage by efficiently removing creatures, preserving other cards in hand. Offers versatility and control with instant speed and adaptable damage output. Meticulous mana management is essential due to the kicker cost for optimal use.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Kicker

Text of card

Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) Burst Lightning deals 2 damage to target creature or player. If Burst Lightning was kicked, it deals 4 damage to that creature or player instead.


Cards like Burst Lightning

Burst Lightning is a versatile instant spell that finds its niche within the fast-paced red burn strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Like Shock, the introductory burn spell dealing two damage to any target for one mana, Burst Lightning offers the additional firepower with its kicker cost. Paying the kicker elevates the damage to four, allowing for more impactful plays against creatures or direct opponent strikes.

Comparatively, Lightning Bolt stands as the gold standard for one-mana burn spells, offering three damage without additional cost. Burst Lightning doesn’t match this raw efficiency, but it compensates with its flexibility to hit harder in the later game. Searing Spear and Incinerate also join the fray, both dealing three damage for two mana. These spells lack the adjustable nature of Burst Lightning, but their consistency is beneficial for straightforward damage requirements.

Ultimately, the ability to choose the magnitude of its effect allows Burst Lightning to shine in various scenarios. Whether it’s taking out small threats early on or delivering a more substantial punch when needed, Burst Lightning carves out its own space amongst the myriad of direct damage options available to players.

Shock - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Searing Spear - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Searing Spear - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions

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

False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Fever Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrostatic Bolt - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Speed - MTG Card versions
False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Fever Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrostatic Bolt - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Speed - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Burst Lightning. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jeskai ProwessJeskai Prowess ModernJeskai ProwessModern League 2024-04-19
Izzet ProwessIzzet Prowess Free formd00mwake's Pure Modern 5
Izzet BreachIzzet Breach Free formd00mwake's Pure Modern 5
Izzet ControlIzzet Control ModernBlue-Red ControlModern League 2023-12-20
Boros BurnBoros Burn ModernBoros BurnModern League 2024-02-14
Izzet WizardsIzzet Wizards ModernBlue-Red ControlF2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship)
Indomitable CreativityIndomitable Creativity ModernIndomitable CreativityModern Challenge 96 2023-12-16

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Burst Lightning doesn’t directly draw cards, it can be a strategic form of card advantage through its efficient removal of key enemy creatures, therefore indirectly preserving the cards in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Not directly a tool for resource acceleration, Burst Lightning offers versatility with its kicker cost allowing you to scale its impact based on your available mana, potentially removing larger threats as your resources grow.

Instant Speed: Burst Lightning’s instant speed enables dynamic play, it can be cast in response to an opponent’s actions or end of their turn, maintaining the element of surprise and strategic control over the game board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Burst Lightning demands a specific ‘kicker’ cost for its boosted effect; without an extra mana investment, it limits its damage capacity.

Specific Mana Cost: Its red mana requirement may not align with multicolor deck strategies, potentially restricting deck-building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the enhanced ‘kicker’ version, four mana might be a significant investment, especially when competing spells may offer more impact or versatility for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include Burst Lightning in Your Collection

Versatility: Burst Lightning is a prime candidate for a wide array of decks, fitting seamlessly into red aggressive strategies or as a flexible removal spell in control decks. Its ability to scale with the game via its kicker cost makes it adaptable for both early threats and late-game finishers.

Combo Potential: This card can play a pivotal role in combo decks. The instant speed allows players to end games unexpectedly or interact with the stack, efficiently removing creatures or directly targeting opponents when the opportunity strikes. Its synergy with spell amplification effects can turn Burst Lightning into a decisive blow.

Meta-Relevance: As the game environment evolves, having reliable and efficient damage spells becomes crucial. Burst Lightning holds its ground in various metas, dealing with prominent one-toughness creatures or finishing off an opponent who’s just within reach. Its relevance has remained consistent, ensuring it’s a staple in many red decks.


How to beat

Burst Lightning is a versatile spell in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. As a quick and efficient removal option, it offers players the ability to deal direct damage to creatures or players. It’s the flexibility of this instant spell that can impact a game significantly, especially with its kicker cost, which allows for increased damage if additional mana is available.

To effectively counteract Burst Lightning, it’s essential to understand the timing and strategic casting windows. Utilize cards that grant hexproof or shroud to safeguard your valuable creatures from being targeted. Additionally, embracing spells that counter instants can neutralize Burst Lightning before it takes effect. Keeping mana open for these counterspells can be the key to maintaining board presence against such direct damage spells.

Employing creatures with high toughness also provides a buffer against Burst Lightning’s base damage. However, one must be wary of the kicker, which can turn the tide by inflicting four damage instead of two. Thus, the adaptation of your strategy by including prevention and protection mechanics is crucial in staying one step ahead of potential threats like Burst Lightning.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burst Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar, 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 Burst Lightning and other MTG cards:

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

Printings

The Burst Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 376102003NormalBlackJung Park
22009-10-02ZendikarZEN 1192003NormalBlackVance Kovacs
32010-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2010P10 82003NormalBlackJung Park
42015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1092015NormalBlackVance Kovacs
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8792015NormalBlackVance Kovacs
62020-09-26The ListPLST P10-82003NormalBlackJung Park
72020-09-26The ListPLST MM2-1092015NormalBlackVance Kovacs

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Burst Lightning has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal