I prefer this card over pillar of flame because it is an instant. Being an instant, it gives you more options and lets you use it during an opponents turn, comboing with creatures like Wee Dragonouts and Kiln Fiend to takedown bigger creatures if needed. It's also a great response to a turn 3 Geralf's Messenger, or Tuk Tuk, the explorer.
TastetheJace
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
I agree, the advantage of this being instant over sorcery outweighs the 2 damage that you could burn the player. There are other spells for burning face. This card is for burning creatures off of existence.
brockdjwest
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Against Golgari this is nasty, and well worth the reactions you'll get.
leomistico
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
If I had to choose between this and Pillar of Flame, I'd play this because instant speed is far better than sorcery. And if my deck needs this kind of effect, it means that what it want the most is the exile effect. If it weren't so, I would play Shock without any other thought. Or Lightning Bolt, for the matter. However, if dealing damage to player is something non-negotiable, then I would suggest you to look for Carbonize or Yamabushi's Flame, it depends from the format...
Comments (7)
Otherwise, outside of this situation, play Pillar of Flame.
4/5