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Decktrove
Chain Lightning
ME3 · Masters Edition III #90 · Common · released 2009-09-07
{R}
Sorcery
Chain Lightning deals 3 damage to any target. Then that player or that permanent's controller may pay {R}{R}. If the player does, they may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.
Chain Lightning is a common red sorcery from Masters Edition III (2009). It has been printed 17 times across 13 sets, from 1994 to 2025. Recent market prices range from $0.28 to $27.64 depending on printing and finish. It is legal in Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Pauper, Oathbreaker, Historic and Brawl.
Format legality
Where you can play Chain Lightning in sanctioned and popular formats.
StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernNot legal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperLegal
OathbreakerLegal
HistoricLegal
BrawlLegal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
All printings (17)
Prices range from $0.28 to $27.64 across finishes. Cheapest printing: Mystery Booster 2 at $0.28.
| Set | No. | Rarity | Price | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legends | 137 | Common | $10.84 | — |
| Masters Edition III This page | 90 | Common | — | — |
| Magic Online Theme Decks | A55 | Common | — | — |
| Magic Online Theme Decks | B14 | Common | — | — |
| Premium Deck Series: Fire and Lightning | 16 | Common | — | $1.78 |
| Vintage Masters | 153 | Common | — | — |
| Eternal Masters | 123 | Uncommon | $0.40 | $0.81 |
| Amonkhet Invocations | 26 | Special | — | $27.64 |
| Battlebond | 171 | Uncommon | $0.40 | $1.87 |
| Jumpstart | 302 | Uncommon | $0.42 | — |
| Secret Lair Drop | 370 | Rare | $19.97 | $18.59 |
| Dominaria Remastered | 316 | Common | $0.34 | $0.61 |
| Dominaria Remastered | 113 | Common | $0.34 | $0.45 |
| Mystery Booster 2 | 55 | Common | $0.28 | — |
| Secret Lair Drop | 2052 | Rare | — | $10.07 |
| Secret Lair Drop | 2047 | Rare | $2.77 | — |
| Arena Anthology 3 | 12 | Common | — | — |
More from Masters Edition III
Rulings
Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (4).
- 2022-12-08As Chain Lightning resolves, either the original or one of the copies, the targeted player or the controller of the targeted permanent may copy it. The copy has the same text, target, and color as the resolving spell, though the player creating the copy may choose a new target for it. Once that copy is created (or not), the Chain Lightning finishes resolving and leaves the stack.
- 2022-12-08The player putting the copy of the spell on the stack controls that copy.
- 2022-12-08The copy of Chain Lightning is created on the stack, so it's not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger. Players may respond to that spell before it resolves.
- 2022-12-08If the targeted player or permanent is an illegal target as Chain Lightning tries to resolve, the spell doesn't resolve and none of its effects happen. It can't be copied.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chain Lightning legal in Commander?
Yes — Chain Lightning is legal in Commander (EDH).
What formats is Chain Lightning legal in?
Chain Lightning is legal in Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Pauper, Oathbreaker, Historic and Brawl.
How many times has Chain Lightning been printed?
Chain Lightning has been printed 17 times across 13 sets, from 1994 to 2025.
What is the cheapest printing of Chain Lightning?
The cheapest printing is Mystery Booster 2 (#55) at about $0.28.
Who illustrated Chain Lightning?
This printing of Chain Lightning was illustrated by Sandra Everingham.