Go for the Throat
Instant
Destroy target nonartifact creature.
*When Titania offered peace, Urza merely turned her down. Mishra made her people pay for the insult.*
Set
March of the Machine Commander
Rarity
Uncommon
Mana Value
2
Artist
Kristina Carroll
Collector #
250
Reprints
15x printed
2011–2025
At just two mana, this efficient removal spell handles most threatening creatures in the early-to-mid game when tempo matters most.
Why Play Go for the Throat
At just two mana, this efficient removal spell handles most threatening creatures in the early-to-mid game when tempo matters most. Black-based midrange and control decks rely on it as a clean answer to aggressive creatures, planeswalker protection creatures, and combo pieces. The instant speed allows you to respond reactively, holding up mana for counterspells or other responses until your opponent commits to a threat worth removing.Format Notes
Most powerful in Pioneer and Modern where artifact creatures are less prevalent, making the restriction rarely relevant. Historic sees moderate play despite more artifact synergies, while Legacy and Vintage favor more versatile removal like Swords to Plowshares. Commander players appreciate the low mana cost and instant speed for political plays and protecting combo turns. Never faced banning issues due to its reasonable restriction and mana cost.Combos & Synergies
Pairs excellently with Snapcaster Mage to reuse the removal spell from your graveyard for additional value. Works well alongside Liliana of the Veil, where you can destroy their creature then force them to discard, creating significant card advantage. Complements other conditional removal like Fatal Push perfectly - while Push excels against low-cost creatures, Go for the Throat handles expensive threats that don't trigger revolt.Featured in These Decks
- Miller Time Pioneer
- Fair Magic Pioneer
- Kefka Cauldron Standard
- Jenova’s Mutations Standard
- Last Ride Standard
- Grixis Transform Standard
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