Chandra Nalaar’s third outing is a very interesting one. Chandra, the Firebrand costs four mana to cast, one of which must be red. This makes the card and easy choice for inclusion in any deck that can make use of it. It’s not that difficult to find one red mana by turn 4 if you need it.
Chandra, the Firebrand enters the battlefield with three loyalty counters and has three abilities. The first ability adds a loyalty counter and deals a point of damage to target creature or player. This is simply better than the +1 ability on the original Chandra. Remember that you can always aim this at a player and then redirect to one of that player’s planeswalkers if you need to. A versatile ability that makes this planeswalker stronger.
The second ability costs two loyalty counters and is the main reason why you might include Chandra, the Firebrand in your deck. This ability copies the next instant or sorcery spell you cast this turn. From Lightning Bolt to Blatant Thievery, it’s rare you’ll be casting an instant or sorcery you wouldn’t mind casting twice. Chandra the Firebrand makes that possible.
The third an final ability is perfect for multiplayer. For the cost of six loyalty counters, you deal six damage to up to six target creatures or players. At the melee table you’ll be able to target a maximum of four different players. You can’t choose the same player or creature twice with this ability, but you’ll leave a lot of burn marks when it goes off. Just be sure you can survive the inevitable retribution!
Verdict: Marginal. This was a line call between Marginal and Strong, so I’ve gone with the lower score for now. Chandra, the Firebrand is a useful card that can strengthen other decks by enabling duel casting of key instants and sorcerys. A deck based around use of this planeswalker will do okay, provided it has sufficient defence.
Connections: Like Chandra, the Firebrand? You may also like [Ajani Vengeant] [Koth of the Hammer] [Tibalt, the Fiend-Blooded]
Don’t like Chandra, the Firebrand? You may prefer [Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas] [Jace, Memory Adept] [Garruk Relentless]
