Call In a Professional (SNC)

Call In a Professional
Casting Cost: {2}{R}
Card Type: Instant
Card Text:
Players can't gain life this turn. Damage can't be prevented this turn. Call In a Professional deals 3 damage to any target. (Shield counters don't prevent this damage as they're removed.)
Flavour Text:
For the next week, Park Heights smelled of burnt oil paint and brimstone.
Artist: Filip Burburan

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:

  • Versatile damage spell that can target creatures or players.
  • Bypasses typical damage prevention methods and even shield counters.
  • Prevents life gain, which can be crucial in finishing off an opponent or shutting down life gain strategies.

• Weaknesses:

  • Slightly more expensive than other burn spells that deal 3 damage, due to its added effects.
  • Doesn't provide any card advantage.

Deck Utility:

• Burn Decks: An obvious choice for decks looking to deal damage directly to opponents. The added utility of preventing life gain can be crucial in certain matchups.

• Control Decks: Can act as removal for problematic creatures while also ensuring other damage-based removal spells go through.

Interactions and Combos:

• Sulfuric Vortex: Both cards can ensure opponents can't gain life, making it difficult for them to stabilize against aggressive strategies.

• Roiling Vortex: Adds additional pressure to opponents trying to cast spells to stabilize, while also ensuring they can't gain life.

Flavor and Lore:

• The flavor text paints a vivid picture of the aftermath of hiring a professional to do a dirty job. The scent of burnt oil paint and brimstone indicates a chaotic and destructive event, fitting for the card's effect.

• The artist, Filip Burburan, probably captures the scene with intensity and drama, showcasing the consequences of bringing in a professional for a dangerous task.

Overall Impression:

"Call In a Professional" is a potent burn spell with added utility. It not only deals damage but also ensures that damage sticks by bypassing typical damage prevention methods and even specific mechanics like shield counters. This makes it a versatile tool in both aggressive and controlling strategies, especially in games that come down to tight life total races. The flavor and artwork likely add to the card's appeal, making it a thematic and effective choice for many red decks.