Ghostfire Slice 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
Devoid (This card has no color.) This spell costsless to cast if an opponent controls a multicolored permanent. Ghostfire Slice deals 4 damage to any target.
Complete guide
Ghostfire Slice is a versatile removal spell that bridges the gap between traditional red mana and colorless utility. Thanks to its Devoid keyword and a built-in cost reduction, it serves as an efficient answer to threats in a multicolored environment.
What It Does
Ghostfire Slice is a colorless instant spell that deals 4 damage to any target. Despite requiring red mana to cast, the Devoid ability ensures that the spell has no color in all zones, including the stack. Additionally, it features a static ability that reduces its casting cost by {2} if any opponent controls at least one multicolored permanent.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, as you begin to cast the spell, the game checks the battlefield. If an opponent controls a multicolored permanent, the total cost becomes {R} instead of {2}{R}. Second, you choose a legal target for the 4 damage. Third, the spell is put onto the stack as a colorless object. Finally, upon resolution, the spell deals 4 damage to the chosen target and is placed in the graveyard.
Common Mistakes
Players often forget that Devoid functions everywhere, not just on the battlefield. This means Ghostfire Slice cannot be targeted by spells that specifically target 'red spells.' Furthermore, the cost reduction only checks if an opponent controls a multicolored permanent; it does not matter if you control one yourself.
When to Play It
This spell is most effective in formats like Commander or Modern where multicolored permanents are frequent. It is an excellent response to Protection from Red, as its colorless nature allows it to damage creatures that would otherwise be immune to red burn spells.
Interaction examples
If your opponent controls a legendary creature that is both Blue and Green, the cost to cast Ghostfire Slice is reduced by {2}. You only need to pay a single {R} to deal 4 damage to any target.
Deflecting SwatIf you cast Ghostfire Slice, an opponent can use Deflecting Swat to change its target. Even though Ghostfire Slice is colorless, Deflecting Swat targets 'target spell,' not 'target red spell,' making it a valid interaction.
Chaos WarpIf a player uses an effect that grants protection from red to a creature, Ghostfire Slice can still target and damage that creature because it is colorless. However, if that creature is then targeted by Chaos Warp, the owner shuffles it away regardless of the damage dealt by the Slice.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Ghostfire Slice
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
A card with devoid is just colorless. It's not colorless and the colors of mana in its mana cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Other cards and abilities can give a card with devoid a color. If that happens, it's just the new color, not that color and colorless.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
Devoid works in all zones, not just on the battlefield.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
If a card loses devoid, it will still be colorless. This is because effects that change an object's color (like the one created by devoid) are considered before the object loses devoid.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
Devoid doesn't affect the color identity of the card for the purposes of the Commander variant. For example, while Abstruse Appropriation is colorless because it has devoid, its color identity is still white and black, and it can't be included in a Commander deck where the commander's color identity doesn't include both white and black.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Ghostfire Slice
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.