ShockHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Shock is a targeted damage spell. Its Oracle text specifies 'any target,' which means you can choose to damage a creature, a player, or a planeswalker. The spell is an instant, allowing you to cast it at any time you have priority, including during your opponent's turn or in response to their spells.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you cast Shock by paying one red mana and choosing a single legal target. Once the spell is on the stack, players can respond with other spells or abilities. Upon resolution, Shock checks if its target is still legal. If the target has gained hexproof or left the battlefield, Shock is removed from the stack and does nothing. If the target is legal, Shock deals 2 damage to it.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that damage to a player does not automatically damage their planeswalkers. Since 'any target' includes planeswalkers directly, you must choose the planeswalker as the target if you want to remove its loyalty counters. Another error is trying to split the damage; Shock deals all 2 damage to a single target only.

When to Play It

Shock is best used to remove 'mana dorks' or aggressive early-game creatures before they can impact the board. In the late game, it serves as a 'burn' spell to reduce an opponent's life to zero if they are at 2 or less health. Because it is an instant, holding it to cast during an opponent's end step is often a strategic way to keep your mana open.

Interaction examples

Comparing Efficiency with Lightning Bolt

Lightning Bolt

While both cards cost a single red mana and target anything, Lightning Bolt deals 3 damage instead of 2. In formats where Lightning Bolt is legal, it is strictly more powerful, but Shock remains a staple in environments where the higher damage threshold is unavailable.

Versatility Over Abrade

Abrade

If your opponent has a creature with 2 toughness and 1 life remaining, Shock can target the creature or the player. In contrast, Abrade offers more damage (3) or artifact destruction, but it cannot target a player. Shock's ability to hit 'any target' makes it a better finisher.

Timing Against Sudden Shock

Sudden Shock

If you cast Shock, your opponent can respond with a spell to protect their creature. However, if you cast Sudden Shock, the 'Split second' ability prevents anyone from casting spells or activating non-mana abilities until it resolves. Both deal 2 damage, but Sudden Shock is much harder to stop.

Getting Extra Value with Staggershock

Staggershock

Shock deals 2 damage once for one mana. Staggershock costs three mana for the same 2 damage, but its Rebound ability allows you to cast it a second time for free during your next upkeep, effectively dealing 4 damage over two turns for a single card.