Magic: The Gathering

Lightning Helix

Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas 23 • uncommon

Set: Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas
Collector number: 23
Rarity: Uncommon
Mana cost: red mana white mana
Type: Instant
Colors: Red · White
Artist: Raymond Swanland
Market price: $0.33

Add this to your collection →Add to wishlist Buy this card on eBay

$0.33est. via TCGplayer

104,743cards tracked

16other printings of this card

Market

What it's worth

$0.33market price via TCGplayer · Oct 7, 2026$0.33 – $0.45 over the tracked period

Estimate for a typical copy of Lightning Helix; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

This uncommon card from a head-to-head duel series is a classic example of efficient multi-tasking, allowing players to simultaneously damage an opponent and bolster their own health total. By combining two fundamental combat effects into a single spell, it remains a sought-after staple for players who value versatility in their deck strategy.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Card face

What it does

Lightning Helix deals 3 damage to any target and you gain 3 life.

"Rage is not the answer. Rage followed by fitting vengeance is the answer."— Ajani

Formats

Where you can play it

StandardLegal
PioneerLegal
ModernLegal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
BrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
TimelessLegal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
OathbreakerLegal

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. As of the last catalogue refresh.

Buy

Where to find one

Search for Lightning Helix on the marketplaces collectors use.

Listings from external marketplaces. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

Provenance

Where it came from

Lightning Helix was first introduced in the 2005 Ravnica: City of Guilds expansion as a hallmark card for the Boros Legion. Designed by the Magic: The Gathering R&D team, it was crafted to encapsulate the aggressive, efficient nature of the Boros color combination by combining direct damage with life gain. The card quickly became a staple in competitive formats due to its versatility and power level.

This specific version, numbered 23 in the Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas set released in 2011, features artwork by Zoltan Boros and Gabor Szikszai. The duo was commissioned to provide a dynamic, action-oriented aesthetic that fit the flavor of the Duel Decks series, which focuses on iconic clashes between planeswalkers. This release helped familiarize a new generation of players with the card while maintaining the established identity of the Boros guild.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Other printings

Every version of this card

The same card, printed again — different sets, treatments, and prices.

Collectors

Who's collecting this

Real cards collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.

Nobody public has added this card yet — be the first.

About

About Lightning Helix

Lightning Helix is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas 23 • uncommon. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

How many collectors track Lightning Helix on collecto.rs?

Lightning Helix doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.

Can I track my own copy of Lightning Helix?

Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your card, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other magic: the gathering collectors. Your collection stays private by default.

Where does the Lightning Helix catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Lightning Helix is sourced from Scryfall. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.