Fling MTG Card


Fling can convert dying creatures into unexpected damage, enabling a potential positive swing in card advantage. The instant speed of Fling introduces unpredictability, which can be pivotal for turning the tide in games. While versatile and impactful, Fling’s creature sacrifice and specific mana cost can limit its strategic use.
Card setsReleased in 20 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Sacrifice a creature: Fling deals damage equal to the sacrificed creature's power to target creature or player.

It's raining rats and moggs.


Cards like Fling

Fling is an interesting card within MTG’s direct damage realm. The card shares traits with its alternatives like Thud, providing similar damage mechanic. However, Thud costs one red mana, prompting an earlier play. Inversely, Fling demands double the mana but is operable at instant speed, providing vital combat tricks.

To add to the comparison, we have Rite of Consumption. This spell, like Fling, deals damage equal to a creature’s power. However, it gains you life equal to the damage dealt, a perk absent in Fling. It’s slower though, as it operates at sorcery speed. Collision // Colossus is another interesting similar. While its damage output is not as variable as Fling, Colossus does not rely on sacrificing a creature, offering more strategic flexibility.

After assessing these mentioned cards, it’s clear that each has its advantages. However, Fling’s flexibility with timing and the potential scale of damage output secures it a noteworthy spot in the roster of direct damage cards in MTG.

Thud - MTG Card versions
Rite of Consumption - MTG Card versions
Collision // Colossus - MTG Card versions
Thud - MTG Card versions
Rite of Consumption - MTG Card versions
Collision // Colossus - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Fling by color, type and mana cost

Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Aleatory - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Falter - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Release the Ants - MTG Card versions
Magma Jet - MTG Card versions
Seismic Shudder - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Aleatory - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Falter - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Release the Ants - MTG Card versions
Magma Jet - MTG Card versions
Seismic Shudder - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jeskai ComboJeskai Combo LegacyStiflenought3 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - LIGA PAULISTA LEGACY
Serpentine CurveSerpentine Curve PauperSerpentine CurvePauper League 2024-04-02
ElvesElves PauperElvesPauper League 2024-04-05
Rakdos Death's ShadowRakdos Death's Shadow ModernDeath's Shadow$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 9:00 am
Izzet SerpentineIzzet Serpentine PauperSerpentine CurveLega Pauper Canavese - Top8 Season Paupergeddon Winter Edition 2024
Jeskai BoglesJeskai Bogles PauperJeskai AffinityIPT Pauper Paradise
Izzet ControlIzzet Control HistoricIzzet ControlMTGA Pauper: Historic Pauper Tournament (6 Jan '24)
Izzet ComboIzzet Combo LegacyStiflenoughtBLACK - SAT - 11AM - Legacy for Original Magic Artwork
jeskai glittersjeskai glitters PauperJeskai AffinityTop 8 Lega Pauperissima @Magic Akiba
DecklistDecklist Free form79#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Fling mtg isn’t necessarily a card that lends itself to providing card advantage in the traditional sense. However, it does give you the ability to make the most out of the creatures that were about to perish anyway by throwing them at your opponent or their creatures. This, in turn, can essentially equate to a positive card-advantage swing.

Resource Acceleration: Resource acceleration isn’t the primary function of Fling. Nevertheless, it can help you use your creatures more efficiently. It allows you to get the last bit of value from a creature that’s about to die, thereby speeding up your damage rate to the opponent. This can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration in terms of damage output.

Instant Speed: Fling’s real strength lies in its instant speed. It adds a layer of unpredictability to your gameplay, allowing you to react to your opponent’s moves. When used effectively, you can turn a doomed creature into significant damage against your opponent or their creatures, changing the course of the game in the process.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To execute Fling, one substantial requirement is sacrificing a creature. This disadvantage is felt especially when your resources are dwindling and you’re running low on creatures to use.

Specific Mana Cost: Fling requires a red mana point. As the card’s cost is quite specific, players may find its usability constrained to certain deck builds which heavily rely on red mana. This limitation could restrict the strategy and versatility of your game

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though Fling’s mana cost seems low at two points, it’s essential to understand that this cost is in addition to the creature sacrifice. This amped cost could comparatively make other spells and abilities, which have more efficient damage distribution or resource generation, a preferred choice in the heat of the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Fling is a card with a range of applications across various decks. With its ability to deal damage equal to the sacrificed creature’s power to any target, it’s effective in decks with powerful creatures or those designed to swiftly amplify creature strength.

Combo Potential: The ability to sacrifice a creature as part of its cost presents diverse combo possibilities. It can pair well with cards that yield benefits upon death, leading to unexpected, game-changing moves for the player who masterfully handles its potential.

Meta-Relevance: Fling remains relevant in the current meta due to its instant speed and unexpected damage potential. It can bypass defenders, overcome high life totals, or disrupt strategies involving damage prevention, making it a valuable inclusion in high-paced and competitive matches.


How to beat

Fling is a compelling MTG tactic that relies on sacrificing a creature to inflict damage to a player or creature equivalent to the sacrificed creature’s power. It’s a clever instant card that ups the ante in the game, especially when combined with high-power creatures on the battlefield. However, like all tactics, it has vulnerabilities.

Use of Indestructible and Hexproof creatures are a great counter to Fling. An indestructible creature will survive the damage inflicted by Fling. A Hexproof creature can’t be targeted by Fling, which nullifies the spell outright. Also, consider strong counter-spell cards. Disallow, for instance, can counter Fling, effectively negating its potentially devastating impact on your game.

In essence, fighting Fling requires strategic planning and smart choices. It’s all about resilience, flexibility, and waiting for the right moment to strike back. Utilizing effective counter-actions against Fling could give you an upper hand. Despite its lethal potential, remember that in order to be successful, Fling must be played at the right time, with the right creature, which creates room for your tactical counterattacks.


BurnMana Recommendations

Fling within MTG showcases the volatile yet strategic potential of red spells, turning any creature into a sudden burst of damage. As you assess your collection and refine your deck’s might, consider integrating Fling’s surprise factor that disrupts opponents and tilts the scales in your favor. Always on the lookout for cards that enhance your gameplay with versatility and instant speed, Fling can be a cornerstone in specific builds, especially when synergizing with strong creatures or death-triggered abilities. Looking to amplify your MTG strategy with such impactful spells? Dive deeper with us for insights on how to wield Fling’s fiery potential effectively.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fling MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Arena League 2001, 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 Fling and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Fling Magic the Gathering card was released in 16 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 7 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 821997NormalBlackPaolo Parente
22001-01-01Arena League 2001PAL01 61997NormalBlackPaolo Parente
32002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 360762003NormalBlackDaren Bader
42002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 375902003NormalBlackDaren Bader
52002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 360741997NormalBlackPaolo Parente
62006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 502003NormalBlackDaren Bader
72006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 692003NormalBlackDaren Bader
82006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 50†2015NormalBlackDaren Bader
92010-07-16Magic 2011M11 1392003NormalBlackPaolo Parente
102011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1342003NormalBlackPaolo Parente
112012-02-03Dark AscensionDKA 902003NormalBlackIzzy
122012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 442003NormalBlackPaolo Parente
132016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 442015NormalBlackPaolo Parente
142017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 1322015NormalBlackLucas Graciano
152019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 1262015NormalBlackLie Setiawan
162019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9342015NormalBlackLucas Graciano
172019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 10382015NormalBorderlessJohan Grenier
182020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3202015NormalBlackLucas Graciano
192020-09-26The ListPLST AKH-1322015NormalBlackLucas Graciano
202024-04-19Breaking NewsOTP 242015NormalBorderlessFlorey

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fling has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-10-04 Players can only respond once this spell has been cast and all its costs have been paid. No one can try to interfere with the creature you sacrificed to prevent you from casting this spell.
2019-10-04 The sacrificed creature's last known existence on the battlefield is checked to determine its power.
2019-10-04 You must sacrifice exactly one creature to cast this spell; you can't cast it without sacrificing a creature, and you can't sacrifice additional creatures.