Chain Lightning MTG Card


Chain Lightning is a cost-effective spell that maintains resource availability for further in-turn actions. Its potential to be recast by an opponent requires considerate play to avoid turning the tide against you. Despite its limitation to sorcery speed, its versatility and combo potential make it a collection staple.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Chain Lightning does 3 damage to one target. Each time Chain Lightning does damage, the target or target's controller may then pay o Ro R to have Chain Lightning do 3 damage to any target of that player's choice.


Cards like Chain Lightning

Chain Lightning represents a classic burn spell in MTG, reminiscent of the quintessential Lightning Bolt. Much like its iconic counterpart, Chain Lightning deals 3 damage to any target, offering players a swift and efficient way to remove creatures or directly impact an opponent’s life total. The key difference is its sorcery speed and the unique ability that allows an opponent to replicate the spell under the right circumstances, adding a layer of strategy.

Comparatively, Forked Bolt allows the division of damage between multiple targets, offering more flexibility, though at a decreased potential damage to a single target. Then we have Lava Spike, a similar cost-effective burn spell, constrained to only target players. It lacks the interactivity Chain Lightning possesses but guarantees direct damage to an adversary. Rift Bolt, on the other hand, offers a deferred damage option with its suspend feature, trading immediate impact for potential tactical surprise.

In the broader context of MTG, Chain Lightning is a competitive option within burn spell strategies, striking a balance between raw power and strategic depth, solidifying its place in the pantheon of red’s direct damage spells.

Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions
Lava Spike - MTG Card versions
Rift Bolt - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions
Lava Spike - MTG Card versions
Rift Bolt - MTG Card versions

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

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BurnBurn PauperBurnPauper Challenge 64 2024-05-05
Izzet DelverIzzet Delver LegacyTemur DelverLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Temur DelverTemur Delver LegacyTemur DelverLegacy Challenge 64 2024-05-05

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chain Lightning can function as a powerful removal tool, effectively dealing with smaller creatures early in the game. While not directly providing card draw, efficiently removing threats can tip the balance in your favor, indirectly contributing to card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Chain Lightning doesn’t produce mana or Treasure tokens, it’s a low-cost spell allowing you to preserve resources for other spells and actions within your turn. This can accelerate your overall game plan by keeping mana available for multi-spell turns or larger threats.

Instant Speed: Chain Lightning is actually a sorcery, so it does not have the flexibility of being cast at instant speed. However, its low casting cost allows you to seamlessly weave it into your strategy without having to plan around its timing as stringently as some higher-cost spells.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Chain Lightning does not ask for a card discard, but its unique aspect is the potential for an opponent to cast it next. Being mindful of your opponent’s ability to use the same spell can be a significant downside.

Specific Mana Cost: Chain Lightning requires a single red mana, making its suitability exclusive to red or multicolored decks that incorporate red. If your deck doesn’t meet this color profile, you cannot harness the power of this instant spell.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing one red mana may seem efficient, there are alternatives available. Other spells like Lightning Bolt offer the same damage output at the same cost without the potential drawback of being reused by the opponent.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chain Lightning offers a flexible removal option that can be integrated into various red-based decks. Its ability to deal 3 damage to any target allows it to address a multitude of threats on the battlefield or even close out games by targeting an opponent directly.

Combo Potential: As a low-cost spell, this card works excellently with strategies that revolve around casting multiple spells in a single turn. Its simple yet effective effect can be the spark that ignites a variety of powerful combos, whether in synergy with cards that care about spell-slinging or through potential duplication effects.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where small creatures and aggressive strategies abound, Chain Lightning shines by offering a quick and efficient answer. Its presence alone can influence how opponents play, knowing that their key creatures may easily be removed if they overextend on the board.


How to beat

Chain Lightning is a potent spell in Magic: The Gathering’s array of direct damage options. Its ability to deal 3 damage to any target for a mere one red mana puts it on par with Lightning Bolt, a staple in burn strategies. However, Chain Lightning comes with a twist that can be turned to your advantage – it allows the target player to copy the spell if they have the mana to do so.

To outsmart Chain Lightning, consider cards with damage prevention abilities or those that increase the cost of spells for your opponent. Counterspells are also effective since they can interrupt the Chain Lightning before it takes effect. Additionally, having instant-speed damage mitigation or hexproof abilities at your disposal can protect your creatures or yourself from the burst of damage. When facing against a Chain Lightning, timing and resource management are key, and knowing when to hold back mana for a potential copy can make all the difference in the heat of battle. Being mindful of the spell’s mechanics allows strategic players to navigate around its explosive impact.

While Chain Lightning boasts its raw power and utility in fast-paced aggressive decks, it also presents an opportunity for savvy players to turn the tables. Effective defense and careful anticipation create a spell duel that requires more than just quick reflexes; knowledge and strategy play crucial roles as well.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving deep into the world of MTG, cards like Chain Lightning illuminate paths to victory through their simple, yet game-changing effects. Whether you’re eliminating threats or finishing off opponents, understanding the nuances of these spells can be crucial. If you’re looking to sharpen your MTG prowess, incorporating Chain Lightning into your arsenal could be the jolt your deck needs. But always remember, every card has its counter, and mastering the interplay of attack and defense is key to success. Embark on a journey with us to explore more strategic insights and elevate your MTG expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chain Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition III, 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 Chain Lightning and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Chain Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 1371993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
22009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 901997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
32010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 B142003NormalBlackSandra Everingham
42010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A551997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
52014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1532015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
62016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 1232015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
72017-04-28Amonkhet InvocationsMP2 262015NormalBorderlessIgor Kieryluk
82018-06-08BattlebondBBD 1712015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
92019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 3702015NormalBorderlessAyako Ishiguro
102020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3022015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
112023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 1132015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
122023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3161997NormalBlackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chain Lightning has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 As Chain Lightning resolves, either the original or one of the copies, the targeted player or the controller of the targeted permanent may copy it. The copy has the same text, target, and color as the resolving spell, though the player creating the copy may choose a new target for it. Once that copy is created (or not), the Chain Lightning finishes resolving and leaves the stack.
2022-12-08 If the targeted player or permanent is an illegal target as Chain Lightning tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve and none of its effects happen. It can’t be copied.
2022-12-08 The copy of Chain Lightning is created on the stack, so it’s not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won’t trigger. Players may respond to that spell before it resolves.
2022-12-08 The player putting the copy of the spell on the stack controls that copy.