Premium red common that is good at all stages of the game.

I wonder if making this a 2 damage version (with some sort of cost change) would be more interesting as currently the anti blocking clause is so rarely going to show up due to how much a 3 dmg spell kills most limited creatures.

I think it is something we were lacking, There really wasn't much "Deal damage spells" on file. This seems to be something BR minded to help break through stalled boards.

Would we want to reduce cost if we reduced the damage? 1R deal 2, Falter?

­Mugging as an instant? Seems fine.

Alternative to Lightning Strike?

Feels terrible to use removal as "one creature can't block this turn." How about "~ deals 2 divided between one or two target creatures. Those creatures can't block this turn?" Or "~ deals 2 damage to target player. [Up to two target] creatures that player controls can't block this turn."

Think of the "can't block" clause as lategame "I win" while the damage is for early game.

Also Reality Hemorrhage was a premium red common and this is nearly strictly better.

Hemorrhage was colorless, which mattered to the format.

Panic Attack prevents 3 blockers and was too weak to play.

Consider this card: 2BW/sorcery/Destroy target creature or gain 8 life. Sometimes it'll be correct to gain 8 life, but you'll usually feel bad doing it, and first impressions will always be bad.

­Mugging?

This isn't really comparable to the BW example you give. If preventing a creature form blocking will get you the kill this turn, then it's basically the same as killing that creature regardless of its size. And that doesn't really feel bad.

My first impression is positive.

I think that not being able to hit the player (like mugging) will make the "can't block" feel more relevant because you will use it even if it is just getting your one more little guy through for the kill. I'm not sure how I feel about "can't block" in the set when BR is trying to do an "Act of Treason" thing. On the one hand it is a cheap spell that you can play in the same turn as an Act to have a fun explosive turn, but on the other hand, it fills a similar role in a deck without going in the combo we are trying to do.

continuumg has a good point. Why not just use mugging? (Remove "or player" and add "or attack", and Flashbang warrants itself.)

How about "deals 2 damage to target creature. Tap that creature." A bleed in the same vein as Stabbing Pain?

I'd be down for a bleed. What do you all think?