The 1997 Tempest release featuring Spontaneous Combustion, card #273. This uncommon instant offers a powerful board-clearing effect for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.
Spontaneous Combustion
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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Description
Spontaneous Combustion is a foundational black-red instant from the Magic: The Gathering Tempest expansion, released in 1997. Identified as card number 273 in the set, this uncommon card has long served as a critical removal tool for players building aggressive red-black decks. The card requires a mana cost of three, specifically one generic, one black, and one red mana, to cast. Its primary effect allows the player to sacrifice a creature to deal three damage to every creature on the battlefield, making it a versatile answer to crowded boards. The Tempest set is widely recognized for reviving older game mechanics and introducing new ones that shaped the early competitive landscape. As an uncommon, Spontaneous Combustion appears with greater frequency than rare cards, yet it remains highly sought after by collectors who value its historical significance in the game's evolution. The artwork for this card was created by Doug Chaffee, whose style contributed to the distinct visual identity of the Tempest block. For investors and hobbyists, collecting cards from the Tempest set offers a tangible connection to a pivotal era in trading card game history. This card represents a key piece of that legacy, appealing to those who appreciate the strategic depth and aesthetic of late 1990s game design. Whether you are looking to complete a personal collection or add a functional staple to your deck, this card remains a relevant and iconic part of the Magic: The Gathering catalog.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
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Featured
Spontaneous Combustion
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Doug Chaffee
Card Stock
English
{1}{B}{R}
Instant
B, R
Card Text
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As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. Spontaneous Combustion deals 3 damage to each creature.
"Heat of battle" is usually a metaphor.











