Electro's Bolt is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Electro's Bolt deals 4 damage to target creature. Mayhem(You may cast this card from your graveyard for
Complete guide
Electro's Bolt is a versatile burn spell that rewards players for utilizing discard strategies. Its Mayhem ability allows you to turn a lost card into a lethal shock from your graveyard, provided you can fuel your discard pile effectively. By understanding the timing of Mayhem, you can maximize your red mana efficiency and maintain board control.
What It Does
Electro's Bolt is a sorcery that deals 4 damage to a target creature. While its standard cost is three mana, the Mayhem keyword offers a unique alternative cost of just two mana if the card was discarded during the current turn. This makes it an excellent follow-up to cards that require discarding as a cost or effect.
How It Resolves Step by Step
When you cast Electro's Bolt using its Mayhem cost, the spell is moved from your graveyard to the stack. You must choose a legal target for the 4 damage as you cast it. Once the spell resolves, it deals its damage to the target and then moves back to the graveyard. Note that because it is a sorcery, you can only cast it during your main phase when the stack is empty, even if you discarded it at another time.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is trying to cast Electro's Bolt via Mayhem on an opponent's turn. Because the card is a sorcery, normal timing rules still apply; discarding it during an opponent's turn does not grant it flash. Additionally, you cannot use Mayhem if the card was put into the graveyard from your library or from the battlefield; it must specifically have been discarded from your hand.
When to Play It
Electro's Bolt is best used in decks that utilize 'looting' effects or large-scale discard spells. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that even if you are forced to discard your hand to draw new cards, you still have access to reliable creature removal at a discounted price.
Interaction examples
Wheel of FortuneYou cast Wheel of Fortune, causing you to discard your hand, including Electro's Bolt. Since the Bolt was discarded this turn, you may immediately spend {1}{R} to cast it from your graveyard to destroy a creature, using the new cards you just drew to plan your next move.
Jeska's WillIf you have already discarded Electro's Bolt earlier in your main phase (perhaps due to a card like Wheel of Fortune), you can cast Jeska's Will to generate enough red mana to cover the Mayhem cost. This allows you to clear a blocker using the mana provided by your opponent's hand size.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Electro's Bolt
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Mayhem represents an alternative cost that can be paid to cast a spell from your graveyard if you discarded the card with mayhem that turn. You must pay any additional costs the spell has.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
You must follow all normal timing rules when casting a spell with mayhem. For example, you can't cast a creature card with mayhem you couldn't normally cast during an opponent's turn, even if you discard that card during an opponent's turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Electro's Bolt
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.