Burn spells as removal in modern
Modern forum
Posted on May 21, 2016, 6:23 a.m. by Xica
Everybody loves Lightning Bolt - for obvious reasons.
Is it the best burn spell AGAINST CREATURES in modern, or can things like Forked Bolt compete for that spot, while still retaining some value against, planeswalkers, and players?
I have other (straight destroy and exile) removal options, and i am thinking about if Forked Bolt's ability to 2 for 1, or lightning bolt's 1 more damage is worth more?
(I also like the fact that no damage goes to waste, even if i kill a Dark Confidant.)
May 21, 2016 8:49 a.m.
Well being "only" good against an early Tarmogoyf, Scavenging Ooze, Dark Confidant, Young Pyromancer, Delver of Secrets
Flip, or killing a lilana who was -ed to kill my only creature, is pretty good for me. Also hitting multiple targets is something i love, specially in conjunction with effects like Geth's Verdict since it gives me som opportuninity, to prevent my opponent using his small guys as cannon fodder to protect the more important pieces. (It can be used on 2nd main step to kill of damaged creatures, not being able to use it to support attack can be worked around imho)
My problem is that players don't like to run creatures that have 3 toughness (or cannot grow beyond it), and instant speed is not as relevant since the ban of splinter twin, and the relative unpopularity of "haste speed" win conditions.
May 21, 2016 11:25 a.m.
KillDatBUG says... #5
Are you actually serious? Forked Bolt over Lightning Bolt? I mean, there are some matchups where Forked Bolt is good, but.. LOL
May 21, 2016 12:11 p.m.
Lightning Bolt is definitely the best, but a few others are playable. Pyroclasm, Forked Bolt, Electrolyze, Searing Blaze, etc.
May 21, 2016 2:09 p.m.
Guys Flame Slash and Roast. If you want red removal specifically then you go for them.
The flexibility of bolt makes it the king.
Forked Bolt really doesn't do much. It's not enough damage to do much against most problematic creatures. Dark Confidant sure. Young Pyromancer, ok but I don't know who's playing it. Scavenging Ooze is nice but no one's going to cry much if it dies really. Meh.
May 21, 2016 2:57 p.m.
Harashiohorn says... #8
Skred is played with Blot in the right decks, and Galvanic Blast replaces bolt in Affinity, but bolt is generally the best for its flexibility and versatility.
May 21, 2016 5:57 p.m.
When you have a bunch of strong creatures, you can use Forked Bolt after combat to deal the last damage. Else, you can use it to kill lesser creatures.Still You miss the instant speed and one damage.
So to sum it up, You would need a creature heavy persistent deck to have good use for Forked Bolt. In that case, I can imageine, that it is better than Lightning Bolt, otherwise, it is a great disadvantage to have them instead of Lightning Bolts.
lemmingllama says... #2
Lightning Bolt is still king, but Forked Bolt, Seal of Fire, Tarfire, Searing Blaze, Lightning Helix, and Electrolyze are all good burn spells that one could use as creature removal or go to the face.
May 21, 2016 7:15 a.m.