The 1997 Tempest Uncommon Instant Spontaneous Combustion (#273), a powerful board-clearing card from the classic Magic: The Gathering set.
Spontaneous Combustion
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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Description
Released in 1997 as part of the Tempest expansion, Spontaneous Combustion (card number 273) remains a notable entry in Magic: The Gathering history. This Uncommon Instant card features artwork by Doug Chaffee and costs {1}{B}{R} to cast. Its unique mechanic requires the player to sacrifice a creature as an additional cost to deal 3 damage to each creature on the battlefield. This design creates high-stakes decisions that appeal to strategic players and collectors alike. For fans of the Tempest set, this card represents a key piece of the early Magic: The Gathering ecosystem. Spontaneous Combustion complements these aggressive strategies by clearing the board efficiently. Collectors often seek this card to complete their Tempest base set or to appreciate the evolution of card design during this pivotal era. The enduring appeal of Magic: The Gathering lies in its rich history and the timeless nature of its mechanics. Spontaneous Combustion continues to be referenced in modern formats and discussions about game balance. Whether you are a veteran player or a new collector, adding this card to your collection connects you to a foundational moment in trading card game history. It serves as a tangible link to the innovative designs that defined the late 1990s TCG landscape.
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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
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
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
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
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.
