Why Lightning Bolt Is One Of Magic's Most Powerful Cards | Tolarian Tutor: Direct Damage | MTG

Don't forget to watch our previous episode, "Birds Of Paradise And Mana Dorks" here: • Tolarian Tutor: Birds ...
And also "Thoughtseize And Hand Disruption" here: • Tolarian Tutor: Though...
#magicthegathering #mtg #tolariancommunitycollege
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We’re not newbies anymore, but we’re not yet ready to Rival the MPL. Tolarian Tutor is for people who already play Friday Night Magic and enjoy playing the ladder on Arena, but want to improve and get better. This is for intermediates, and this is Tolarian Tutor! So put down those Commander Legends Previews and Spoilers for just a moment, and let's learn how to improve your MTG gameplay!

[@TheMajesticYak0]

History Lesson - when Magic first came out in Alpha edition, WoTC wanted to give each color a card that gave them 3 of something for one mana. So thus Dark Ritual (3 black mana), Ancestral Recall (3 cards), Giant Growth (+3/+3), Lightning Bolt (3 damage), and Healing Salve (prevent 3 damage or gain 3 life) were created. Blue got a Power 9 card, black and red got great value, green got a decent combat trick for the time, and white got screwed. Sorry white.

[@derekwalter4238]

Everybody knows that

[@noesunyoutuber7680]

White has historically been the loser of power matches for years. It either gets obnoxious prison cards everyone hates or weenie creatures.

[@matteoceccherini7810]

Not meee! Great info

[@andresvelazquez5922]

White should've gotten: "Tap 3 creatures"

[@sarbe6625]

And thus, each color's fate was sealed

[@1TaylorKing]

Hey professor

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Heya

[@username4835]

This is an interesting comment

[@georgepanagos3760]

@@username4835 Never underestimate the power of the Prof

[@GanjalfderGruene]

@@georgepanagos3760 his look is so cool he must be some kind of demigod

[@jordanwong9597]

@@TolarianCommunityCollege I love your videos, but I'm a competitive modern player who plays goblins. Can you do a modern video because I want to improve. I consider myself as an advanced player with a deck that ranges from $500-600 and want to know how I can edit my deck to make it better.

[@ErasmusHereticus]

How do you play against Bolt? Why, the way Garfield intended, with a Healing Salve of course!

[@m1gr3nA]

fyi it was recently updated to bring it to power level of current cards. costs now 1UG. and comes with some elks or lands attached.

[@TheTherapistGamer]

"Hmm. Ancestral Recall should even things out."

[@AstridCeleste96]

If they bolt your creature just play U to draw 3 more!

[@bkweddle7599]

I have a collection of over 300 lightning bolts from Beta to 4th with some foreign black border 4th versions as well. At the time I started it was .25 a card and in print. It's been my favourite card in any format I can play it. Yes, I'm that burn player lol. I used to give play sets to new players so that everyone could use it. I'm sure I started many players on the path to burn mwahahaha

[@hunterfinkbeiner4673]

When I started playing we had a guy at our Lgs who had multiple binders full of revised bolts that he would hand out to people at fnm if they didn’t get prize support.

[@HexproofAnarchist]

You're a good man for giving play sets to new players!

[@michaellooks8397]

@@hunterfinkbeiner4673 what an actual legend, respect!

[@eicha41624]

My prized set is a playset of Korean FBB bolts, they're so cool!

[@commonsense9173]

I use it in my R/U deck and its oppressive

[@tinyhawk6427]

Suggestion: Maybe a tolarian tutor episode on snapcaster mage? I feel like people can often target the wrong thing with it.

[@JDDELAMIGO]

Wizards: We are not gonna reprint Lightning Bolt in Standard because its power is very scary. Also we are gonna add ramp to all cards in Standard

[@aaron.k.]

Ramp AND card draw.

[@m1gr3nA]

... and healing salve. repetitive healing salve.

[@ForeverLaxx]

That's probably why they're hesitant to put the OG Bolt back into Standard. They have a design team that wants to push a ton of ramp spells that replace themselves and Bolt gets in their way.

[@streetpeter3210]

That would mean putting Bolt in Pioneer as well now. Wild Slash is Pioneers Bolt and we may just have to accept that :(.

[@antischtick3502]

Standard b like: when you think if playing a card, draw a card

[@b3an_rs]

Prof playing burn: What's 7 times 3? 21! Me playing burn: What's 9 plus 10? 21?!

[@tonyf3431]

math is for blockers anyway

[@phamtasticbaby6124]

yew stooped!

[@thekitchenchikens]

😂😂😂

[@thefrozengoat]

This was an incredibly thoughtful and academic video. I'm keeping it on in the background so that it continues to sink in after a few watches. This ongoing playlist basically becomes a course load in intermediate Magic.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

I'm so glad!

[@yanlopez674]

I once wanted to buy a lightning bolt card that had a sort of circular scorch mark that went through the back. The buyer was confused why I wanted to buy it, I said, "Well, it looks like the card literally got lightning bolted so plus points to flavor and it also looks cooler"

[@Tacklepig]

That's really a flavor win, lol. I love my old german Bolt that says (translated): "Lightning deals 3 damage to the target" It doesn't use any "game-y" technical language, it doesn't use the name of the card, it just straight up says the damage is done by actual lightning.

[@yanlopez674]

@@Tacklepig Yeah, the seller always told me just don't use this damaged card in tournaments. Also, that German translation is very direct to the point haha

[@noesunyoutuber7680]

@@Tacklepig Funnily enough, that old German bolt predicted that all bolts are now errata'd to "any target" because of the change in Planeswalker targeting rules.

[@daredewley9231]

Nothing like opening KZbin, refreshing into a new TCC video uploaded just moments before.

[@Tyear]

Dear Professor I would just like to say that your videos are a safe port for me in a rough and rowdy sea that is my life at the moment. Just being able to follow along and learn something new about MTG I've been grasping at. Well thanks for giving me something to sink my teeth into. Kindest regards, A thankful viewer.

[@nsmith5026]

The professor is doing more and more Tutor videos! I’m a big fan, it’s actually how I first discovered your channel. I sat down at the computer, after losing to my friend several times in a row, and looked up “how to get better at Magic the Gathering.” I appreciate all the videos, and it’s nice to stop thinking about the company and ridiculous products and focus on the game itself!

[@josephdurham4950]

I love the break down on how to play this card. Being a newish player, you have shown me great tips on how to use the card more effectively. It seems like a basic spell but in the right hands it can be a game changer.

[@supervisorcora8827]

Tolarian Tutor, is in my opinion your best series, happy to watch the recent, new episodes.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Glad to hear it!

[@Hundo_Mo]

When I started playing MtG I had a black/red vampire deck with lightning bolt in it for removal. I loved it so much that I made a burn deck based solely on what I thought at the time was simply a removal spell. How much I’ve learned since 2006...

[@holdyourfire74]

Way back in the day, I had a pure burn mono-red. Only creatures I had were walls to block. Won 95% of the time except when playing against mono-blue counters. Lightning Bolts and Fireballs were just devastating.

[@mightyone3737]

When people play strictly worse versions in legacy, it's a good card.

[@paulszki]

Did you just insult my Lave Spike? IT'S STRICTLY BETTER IN ARCANE SPLICE DECKS!!!!!

[@LucyBean42]

I play at high level events regularly, but these lessons are still good for lesson reinforcement. I find these to still be helpful. Thank you for the work you put into them.

[@jameswhite3043]

Though I've been playing Magic for twenty years, and know a lot about lightning bolt, I really enjoyed this video. I learned some more, especially the "playing against lightning bolt". Thanks!

[@wolflordshaitan]

Wotc: "Bolt is too powerful for standard" *prints oko*

[@jordanwong9597]

Ok got banned tho

[@razzKey]

@@jordanwong9597 yea but he got printed into standard

[@mathunit1]

@@jordanwong9597 Ain't gonna stop wotc from printing more OP cards for money. smh

[@itsacopy]

Oko > Uro > Omnath (plus fires)

[@commonsense9173]

Lightning bolt would have ballenced Oko out perfectly

[@JoshuaMcVey]

This should be the number 1 Magic video on KZbin forever. It explains the card, and ideas behind the entire game.

[@lridg7]

I love these videos, I'm still pretty new to magic and I love learning more! The Tolarian tutor series is very helpful

[@frenchertoast]

clicked faster than a bolt of lightning

[@magiccardmaster9921]

Yep me too

[@justinrose6911]

Same!

[@kennethdixoniii4113]

Luke Steiner well technically, if you hook up a lightning rod, run it through the proper electrical doodads, and have it hooked to a small actuator that can click a mouse bitten, then you could say that lightning clicked the button. Or at least interpret it that way. I’m just being way too silly here.

[@lucagiovanninieddu2603]

It always deals 3 damage. Torbran: Hold my axe!!!

[@brandandixon3943]

hold his shock

[@torbenbruhns1270]

Fiendish Duo: Hold my Horn.

[@Drums_of_Liberation]

Demon: Hold my bolt

[@SinfulTitan]

So glad to see you making these videos again. Keep up the good work as always!!

[@Canadian_Ry]

That was fantastic! Thanks Prof & Crew!!

[@corybyrum8103]

I was first introduced to MTG by my 6th grade English teacher. My friends and I would play in his classes against him, and spend countless lunch hours and recess time in his classroom trying to beat him. We never did, until the last day of school where I managed to deal the deciding blow with, you guessed it, Lightning Bolt.

[@OstensiblyJakob]

Definitely the first best and most versatile burn spell, HOWEVER I contend that Risk Factor is the best burn spell ever printed (in the context of Runaway Steamkin and Guttersnipe).

[@Mio_Takahashi_]

Noticed your tutor is in the credentials and info on the video, and I was very disappointed to see she only has 400 subscribers considering she’s been in the top 8 only two weeks ago. I can’t believe I just now thought to check the video info: Thank you Professor, and thanks to your team and colleagues as well. Oh, it’s because she hasn’t uploaded a video in a year x,D Still, wish her the best lol.

[@sgt345]

I discovered Tolarian Community College about 2 weeks ago, and just discovered Tolarian Tutor. I've been playing MTG since 1995. These videos are EPIC!!!

[@KMoonshield]

Thanks for the content prof! Haven't been able to play magic in awhile, but I really appreciate your honest and informative take on things!

[@theassasin158]

I love seeing his eyes going between the camera and his script right next to it 😂 I did the same thing when making videos for college

[@flipperjones509]

I love listening to you talk Magic! Thanks for all of your great videos.

[@redandblue1013]

Very well produced and explained! Love your style!

[@XJBG1001X]

I just picked up a Modern Burn deck last week! This has been very helpful, thank you!

[@paopaothesiopao995]

This is great. Looking forward to more!

[@Sir_Francis]

I am Loving this resurgence of Tolarian Tutors! Keep up the great work!

[@bluesight_]

awesome content! I think these are some of the greatest videos you do!

[@ceulgai2817]

Hot diggity dang! This is quite possibly one of your most important videos ever (about strictly in-game things, that is). Good work, all!

[@Rucarlos]

Love this analysis series on each color's iconic 1 drop in the utility bell. Curious to see what blue and white will be.

[@yaakovaberman8654]

Hey prof. Thank you for the deck box reviews. I ordered the dungeon, and can't wait to get it

[@pant0sand0hat]

Fantastic as always. Thank you.

[@_daze]

Lmao, I was just watching Rhystic Studies video, Bolt a History....for the 5th time at least...

[@radip]

Yeah, looks 80% like rhystic study video

[@Lordsofplural]

if you havent watched a rhystic studies video like 5 times are you really a rhystic study sub?

[@_daze]

@@Lordsofplural probably not. And even tho I’m not subbed...yet.

[@_daze]

@Lucas Egeland he posted yesterday.

[@marcelm.1941]

Another great class Professor!!! Thank you for sharing knowledge

[@briant2438]

One other thing that might be useful to mention is when a format makes the card unplayable. For awhile in modern bolt was almost never included in deck lists as it was too weak for the meta. information like that might help players when the right time is to put into their deck and when the meta shifts to take it out... also mainboard vs sideboard times might also be useful

[@egoalter1276]

Lightning bolt is the most consistently mana efficient burn spell. I guess metas can exist where burn spells become obsolete, but I dont think there ever was one yet.

[@briant2438]

@egoalter1276 I played since original zendikar... trust me... LB shifts in and out of usefulness often. Thragtusk made LB laughable during its height. Anytime a meta has high toughness creatures, hexproof, or efficient healing LB is not the right tool

[@noahz42]

I've never played any format other than commander, ive never had the opportunity, so you have no idea how awesome I think these videos are. I get to learn a bit about normal magic even though I can't play :)

[@_mrcrypt]

GREAT video, Prof! Thanks =D

[@algorithmgaming1578]

I love the videos. Returning player so I missed everything from khan of tarkir to zendikar rising, so its helpful to learn and re-learn so much

[@IamCorrosive]

I love these videos and this series in general. Your actual professor skills are shining bright. Can you please send me a link to the PowerPoint so I can study for the final. 🤣

[@Aguila1138]

Prof, you're killing with these additions to the tutor series

[@connerbouse5176]

Professor, this video was extremely good! Shocking how complex one of the oldest and simplest cards in Magic is.

[@bridger4954]

Great video. Keep up this series.

[@guilhermecosta27]

This serie is amazing, congratulations

[@neptuun9425]

Loving this series. Keep it up prof!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

More to come!

[@jflowization]

i remember back in the day playing the "fire and Lighting" deck and that things was fun as hell to play, burn decks in general are hilarious to watch go off, it makes you feel like a real wizard, throwing fireballs and such lol.

[@codyvisger8793]

love that ur doing these

[@mettpazzninofortnite9362]

Another amazing video prof!

[@charleshammel8541]

Excellent lesson prof, as always. Thanks to you and your team.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Our pleasure!

[@charleshammel8541]

@@TolarianCommunityCollege if you all take show suggestions, this one got me thinking about how to properly evaluate the effect text of great spells like bolt whe they're stapled to bodies or equipment or enchantments in singleton formats like edh or oathbreaker. E.g. what decks are better off using bolt than say inferno titan... rules of thumb and the like

[@Brownieman32]

Thanks for this information Prof! playing burn, this helps alot!

[@johncochrane6039]

As always, a great watch, even for us old-timers. Thanks, Prof!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Iguessimhere154]

Professors' videos is much more engaging than my college classes and lectures

[@sherekhangamedev]

Totally Rad, kudos Prof great lesson.

[@ClonetrooperChowder]

Another great video from you and your team Prof!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

You rock!

[@ljgljg8002]

Still fresh ideas and fresh content. Good work prof.

[@bradurban1753]

You know as a long time burn player in Modern and Legacy, I learned a lot about being more efficient with bolt from this video. Thanks Professor!

[@lumijo2407]

"Address planeswalkers before they become problematic" Unless Bolt removes the year 2007 from existence I'm not sure how you plan on making that happen

[@clon1122]

A 2/2 and a bolt works good enough against a planeswalker

[@t5k313]

maybe removes the year 2019 (WAR release)

[@AnimeManiacAndres]

Thanks for the lesson Prof! Your hair looks great today!

[@dahuntre]

Good to see the series return after so long!

[@Darkogazza]

I remember splashing for bolt in Faeries very briefly after M10 came out but before rotation. Good times.

[@atlys258]

LOVE THAT THIS SERIES IS BACK!!

[@SM-dm3wg]

Enjoyed this very much :)

[@Ser_Nathor]

I have a Gisela blade of goodnight edh deck with fiery emancipation and dictate of the twin gods, with a bit of burn but alot of first strike and double strike as my focus. I honestly completely forgot about lighting bolt as a type of removal or just to kill someone. Thanks prof!

[@hanzimaundrell4100]

subtitles! at last! thank you!

[@laurij115]

Great lesson!

[@TheMidnightBlueTV]

Yes! More like these please.

[@kronosdorma]

Love you, Professor!

[@webbc99]

I don't even play MTG and I find these videos very interesting and informative. Thanks for the hard work!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Glad you like them!

[@yuripinheiro7694]

Love the Tutor series :)

[@daboi5779]

3:00 i just love those effects xD

[@nicolasfurger1032]

Great video!

[@matt9591]

Great video. I'm going to be graduating TCC soon :D

[@lalorenza4845]

Really well explained

[@andrewcooper7949]

Just dropped in the playset of bolts from the Secret Lair, Mountain, Go. Such beauty.

[@TheThingamajiger]

An entire video dedicated to my favorite card? How can I resist?!

[@matigow]

I love Tolarian Tutor, hope to see new episodes!

[@GreenMonkeySam]

Love the series, Prof. I can't wait until the 17-part series for Gush :P

[@Darksiyo]

"It's THE iconic magic card!" Uhhh, professor? I think you forgot about Lava Axe.

[@commonsense9173]

That card is horrible lol

[@Darksiyo]

@@commonsense9173 but that flavor text though!

[@lucasfidel8240]

Hi Professor, I would love to see a video on counterspel(s)!!!

[@commonsense9173]

When deciding between shock and lightning strike. I go with shock. I would rather pay the same for 1/3 less power than pay double for the same output. With that said me and a friend got into a counter off when I tried to bolt him with a Guttersnipe out. He ate up all of his mana on 2 cancels while I won the exchange with only 2 mana to cast 2 dispels. So rather than him preventing 3 out of the 5 damage coming his way he took 9 total. It was like I just bolted him 3 times to the face plus he wasted 2 counters and it was glorious. That was a very fun round we both remember fondly.

[@ceroao-a9133]

Nice vid great guide

[@TheBallisticArtist]

My favorite episode by far. Bolt is simple but effective. Versatile in so many situations.

[@MewnFrostFang]

small spelling mistake at 14:02 with 'Burn decks on aeverage' other than that this is a great breakdown on how to think about burn spells and removal!

[@rmorganslade]

I like this series thanks Professor!

[@marcelozapata7716]

Informative!

[@jesusalbertovargascastro632]

Amazing video!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Thanks!

[@chrisriggio1996]

keep up the great work prof

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Thank you, I will

[@hardcoregames723]

great video professor

[@OBZEDAT]

Love this series and the focus on competition not casual goofiness

[@Dawnfeethers]

I just want to say I love the tolarian tutor intro.

[@DaRkArTs11]

Gotta say I love all your material and presentation, would much rather a class like this rather than drama back in high school lol

[@GuilhermeRodrigues-jq2rg]

You really are the best, Prof :-D