Forked Lightning MTG Card


Provides card advantage by potentially dealing with two creatures at once. Demand for red mana may limit the card’s versatility in decks. Instant speed enhances tactical gameplay with surprise element.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Forked Lightning deals 4 damage divided any way you choose among any one, two, or three creatures.


Cards like Forked Lightning

Forked Lightning is an intriguing card when considering its place within Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of direct damage spells. It holds a resemblance to the classic Lightning Bolt, which is iconic for its efficiency – one mana for three points of damage to any target. While Forked Lightning might seem less appealing due to higher cost and limitation to creatures only, it compensates by potentially dealing damage to multiple creatures, each receiving three points of damage.

Chain Lightning is another analogous card with a similar initial effect to Forked Lightning, offering three damage for one red mana. However, its additional option for the opponent to pay two red mana and redirect the spell is where it diverges, offering an unpredictable and potentially double-edged tactical element. Arc Trail also deserves mention, as it distributes damage among one or two targets for two mana, offering flexibility but less overall power than Forked Lightning’s decisive strike.

Overall, while Forked Lightning sits at a higher cost bracket compared to its counterparts, its capacity to clear multiple creatures in a single cast can be a potent board-altering move, securing its worthiness for consideration in decks that can accommodate its specific mana and targeting requirements.

Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Chain Lightning - MTG Card versions
Arc Trail - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Chain Lightning - MTG Card versions
Arc Trail - MTG Card versions

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

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Flowstone Slide - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Thoughts of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Inner Fire - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Slide - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Forked Lightning shines by offering the potential to eliminate multiple threats at once. This can lead to card advantage by efficiently dealing with two creatures for the price of one card.

Resource Acceleration: While Forked Lightning doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it conserves mana by efficiently handling multiple creatures. This kind of efficiency can indirectly lead to better resource management throughout the game.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed allows players to adapt to the board state dynamically. Forked Lightning can be cast in response to opponents’ actions or at the end of their turn, preserving the element of surprise and ensuring optimal timing for maximum impact.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Forked Lightning necessitates the discard of another card from your hand which can be detrimental when your hand is already depleted or if you’re holding onto key pieces of your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands a combination of red mana, potentially restricting this card’s inclusion to red-centric or dual-colored decks, as it may not easily fit into a broad range of deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is more on the higher side for its effect, players might find other spells in red’s arsenal that provide damage output more efficiently, allowing for a better use of mana resources throughout the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Forked Lightning is an adaptable card that works well in various red-based strategies. Its ability to deliver multiple points of damage divided as you choose can help control the board in aggressive, midrange, or control setups.

Combo Potential: This card can be a crucial component in decks that capitalize on damaging spells. It can synergize with cards that trigger off spells being cast or damage being dealt, adding a layer of depth to your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: As decks that rely on numerous smaller creatures are present in the meta, Forked Lightning proves its worth. It serves as a formidable answer to swarm strategies, disrupting your opponent’s board presence effectively.


How to beat

Forked Lightning is a splashy spell that can deal damage across multiple targets in Magic: The Gathering, proving to be a versatile threat. When players face challenges like this, solutions often lie in shrewd defensive strategies or disruption avenues. A card like Tangle Wire can effectively hinder an opponent’s tempo, buying you crucial time against Forked Lightning’s swift assault. Similarly, investing in instant-speed interaction, such as Counterspell, ensures you can negate Forked Lightning before it wreaks havoc. Additionally, cards with damage prevention or hexproof abilities offer a sturdy shield, neutralizing Forked Lightning’s potential to split its damage. Preemptive plays, clever deck construction, and reactive protection are key to overcoming the threat posed by Forked Lightning.

Moreover, considering Forked Lightning’s limitation to two targets, maintaining a wide board presence with creatures that surpass its damage range can mitigate its impact. Adaptation and resilience are paramount in outmaneuvering such direct damage spells, enabling players to maintain control and eventually triumph despite facing formidable bursts of energy like Forked Lightning.


Where to buy

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

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Printings

The Forked Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Ted Naifeh.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-05-01PortalPOR 1301997NormalBlackTed Naifeh
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 334401997NormalBlackTed Naifeh
32009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 1001997NormalBlackTed Naifeh

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Forked Lightning has restrictions

FormatLegality
PredhLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 You divide the damage as you cast Forked Lightning, not as it resolves. Each target you choose must be assigned at least 1 damage.