Bombard

Strategy & Gameplay

This efficient red instant from the EOE set offers straightforward removal that punches well above its weight class in multiple formats. At just two mana, Bombard deals four damage to a single target creature, making it one of the most cost-effective creature removal spells available in red's toolkit. The instant speed is crucial here, allowing you to hold up mana during your opponent's turn and remove threats at the most opportune moment, whether that's in response to an attack, before combat damage is calculated, or as a surprise during their main phase. This flexibility makes it significantly stronger than a sorcery-speed equivalent would be, giving you the tempo advantage while maintaining battlefield control. Bombard slots perfectly into any red aggressive or tempo-focused strategy, particularly in decks that want to protect their own creatures or maintain board presence while dealing with opposing threats. The four damage output cleanly handles many of the most relevant creatures across multiple formats, from smaller utility creatures to mid-sized threats, though players should note that larger creatures will survive the blast. Its legality across virtually every format, including Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Commander, and even Pauper, makes it an accessible staple for players at any level. Whether you're building a competitive constructed deck or a casual Commander list, Bombard serves as a reliable answer to problematic creatures. The card's simplicity belies its effectiveness—sometimes the best removal spells are the straightforward ones that get the job done efficiently and on your terms.