Mana Clash MTG Card


Mana Clash can significantly disrupt opponents, providing a strategic edge in creature and life total control. While it devours hand resources, careful gameplay turns its unpredictability into a strategic advantage. Its inclusion in red-focused decks can enhance both early pressure and combo-driven strategies.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

You and target player each flip a coin. Mana Clash does 1 damage to any player whose coin comes up tails. Repeat this process until both players' coins come up heads at the same time.


Cards like Mana Clash

Mana Clash is a unique spell that brings a sense of unpredictability to the table in MTG. It’s akin to cards like Fiery Gambit, which also introduces an element of chance and potential for significant impact from a singular card play. However, whereas Mana Clash can potentially end the game if luck permits, Fiery Gambit provides a structured three-tiered gamble, offering different levels of risk and reward but with clearly defined outcomes.

Another card that echoes the randomness of Mana Clash is Goblin Game. Both cards involve an unpredictable element that disrupts the normal flow of play. While Mana Clash plays out as an odd form of a coin flip duel, Goblin Game has players hiding objects and wagering life based on who could predict or bluff their opponents best, which can lead to drastic life total changes.

Focusing closer on direct damage comparison, we look to cards like Russian Roulette. The similarity is in the high stakes of playing with life totals based on a chance, though Russian Roulette allows players to explicitly target opponents. Mana Clash, on the other hand, is less controllable, potentially affecting both players equally.

It’s clear that Mana Clash holds a special place in the MTG universe for its ability to introduce a thrilling randomness, potentially swinging the game instantly. This sets it apart from similar cards that may offer more control or structured outcomes but don’t quite capture the same exciting unpredictability.

Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mana Clash by color, type and mana cost

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - 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
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Burning Inquiry - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - 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
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Burning Inquiry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Mana Clash doesn’t traditionally allow a player to draw cards, its potential to chew through multiple rounds of coin flips can disproportionately affect the opponent’s creatures and life total, offering a strategic advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Mana Clash can serve as an indirect form of resource acceleration by taxing the opponent’s resources. If luck is on your side, the damage inflicted can lead to an opponent’s reduced board state, effectively accelerating your position in the game.

Instant Speed: Mana Clash’s instant speed is a major asset, allowing for flexibility in your strategy. You can respond to your opponent’s actions, potentially disrupting their plays, or use it at the end of their turn to minimize the potential for retaliation before your next move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mana Clash requires careful hand management as it can lead to a quick depletion of your available cards, especially if the game extends into numerous turns and the clash doesn’t resolve in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: Costing one red mana means that it fits primarily in red or multicolor decks that can produce red mana, possibly restricting its inclusion in a diverse range of decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although only costing one red mana, the outcome of Mana Clash is uncertain, which could result in paying a high cost for an unpredictable effect, as opposed to other cards with guaranteed results for the same or less mana investment.


Reasons to Include Mana Clash in Your Collection

Versatility: Mana Clash offers a unique gameplay experience as it can be integrated into different types of red decks. It’s a spell that can provoke early game pressure or be a wild card in burn strategies.

Combo Potential: Its potential to inflict multiple instances of damage makes it a candidate for combinations with cards that capitalize on damage triggers, amplifying its impact in a game.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games are fast-paced and aggressive, Mana Clash can serve as an unexpected tactic to tip the scales, especially when opponents are unprepared for its chaotic nature.


How to beat

Mana Clash is a unique spell that introduces a suspense-filled mini-game within a game of Magic: The Gathering. Engaging in a series of coin flips, players can find themselves in an unpredictable battle of luck, where the stakes skyrocket with each coin toss. However, despite its random nature, there are tangible strategies to tilt the odds in your favor and ensure you come out on top of this chaos.

Understanding your deck’s construction is key when facing Mana Clash. A deck with higher life totals or life-gaining capabilities can withstand the storm of coin tosses better than others. Cards that manipulate probabilities or outcomes, such as Krark’s Thumb, offer a significant advantage, transforming what seems like a gamble into a more controlled situation. Additionally, employing instant-speed removal or damage prevention spells allows you to end the clash on your terms, potentially leaving your opponent bruised by their own card.

While Mana Clash can appear daunting, it’s a reminder that within the complex strategies of Magic: The Gathering, sometimes a simple flip of a coin can be swayed by careful planning and smart deck building. So equip your deck with the right tools, understand the risks involved, and you’ll increase your chances of emerging unscathed from the Mana Clash showdown.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delve into the dynamic play of MTG and consider the strategic roles cards like Mana Clash can occupy in your deck. Gaining the upper hand with a card known for its unpredictability requires insight into its pros and cons. With its potential to disrupt your opponent at instant speed and its combo prowess to press an early advantage, Mana Clash could be the wildcard your red deck needs. Whether you’re fine-tuning a burn strategy or seeking surprise tactics, understanding the intricate dance of probability and risk with Mana Clash is key. Ready for a deeper dive into optimizing your gameplay with this captivating card? Join us to learn more and master the unexpected twists that make MTG a continual chess match of wits and fortune.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mana Clash MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Mana Clash and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mana Clash Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-08-01The DarkDRK 721993NormalBlackMark Tedin
21995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 2101993NormalBlackMark Tedin
31995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 2101993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
41995-08-01RenaissanceREN 921993NormalBlackMark Tedin
51997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2481997NormalWhiteMark Tedin
62001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 2021997NormalWhiteLarry Elmore
72001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 202★1997NormalBlackLarry Elmore
82003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 202★2003NormalBlackRon Spencer
92003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 2022003NormalWhiteRon Spencer
102005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 2032003NormalWhiteRon Spencer
112005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 203★2003NormalBlackRon Spencer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mana Clash has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mana Clash 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 Always affects the player and targets one of their opponents.
2004-10-04 Each point of damage is dealt separately, so if you are damaged twice by this spell, each time is considered a separate time this source deals damage.
2004-10-04 This card’s coin flip has no winner or loser.