Diversionary Tactics MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment
Released	2001-06-04
Set symbol
Set name	Apocalypse
Set code	APC
Number	7
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jerry Tiritilli

Key Takeaways

Enhances control by tapping threats, preserving your cards and strategic options.
Demands instant speed resource management for dynamic gameplay advantages.
Carries the cost of card discard, stringent mana requirements, and contests with similar control cards.

Text of card

Tap two untapped creatures you control: Tap target creature.

"It's the oldest trick in the book," said Guff. "And I ought to know—I wrote it."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Diversionary Tactics provides an efficient method for disabling potential threats, effectively reducing the number of necessary responses and preserving cards in hand.

Resource Acceleration: By utilizing this card in a deck that capitalizes on tap and untap mechanics, you can potentially unlock extra value and resources, accelerating your gameplay significantly.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Diversionary Tactics’ ability at instant speed offers strategic depth, allowing you to disrupt opponents’ attacks or blockers during critical phases of a turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Diversionary Tactics involves a tactical cost, requiring a player to discard one of their own cards. This can be particularly taxing if your hand is already sparse or if you’re discarding a high-value card that could potentially turn the tides of the game later on.

Specific Mana Cost: Bringing Diversionary Tactics into play isn’t always straightforward. It demands a precise combination of mana: two generic and one white. This can bind the card’s functionality to decks that reliably produce white mana, potentially restricting its versatility across various play styles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three, Diversionary Tactics is somewhat costly considering its effect. In the fast-paced environment of competitive play, using three mana to temporarily remove a blocker or avoid an attack might not be the most economical use of resources, especially when compared to other cards that could provide a more impactful presence on the board for the same or lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Diversionary Tactics is a unique card that offers a fresh mechanism for disabling potential threats on the battlefield. Its ability to tap opponents’ creatures can be integrated seamlessly into various deck archetypes, adding a layer of control to your game plan.

Combo Potential: This enchantment works exceptionally well with creatures that have tap abilities or benefit from tapping mechanisms. It can set up combos by removing blockers or enabling certain cards that trigger when creatures become tapped or untapped.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where board presence is crucial, Diversionary Tactics stands as a strong contender. It is especially relevant in environments where creature-based strategies dominate, giving you a significant edge by altering the flow of combat in your favor.

How to beat

Diversionary Tactics is a unique blue enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that can turn the tide of a match by locking down opponents’ creatures. Playing against this disruptive card requires strategic planning and the right counters. An effective method to overcome it is by targeting the card directly, with spells such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can remove enchantments from the game.

Another approach to mitigating Diversionary Tactics’ effects is by deploying creatures with the Hexproof ability, ensuring they are not viable targets for the trickery this enchantment affords. Moreover, utilizing instant-speed spells to untap your creatures can thwart the ennui of being perpetually sidelined. By staying agile and having a versatile toolbox of spells at your disposal, the control Diversionary Tactics seeks to assert can be efficiently neutralized.

In essence, flexibility and direct answers are key when contending with Diversionary Tactics. Incorporate enchantment removal, creature protection, and untap mechanisms in your deck construction to stand strong against such control strategies.

Cards like Diversionary Tactics

Diversionary Tactics is an intriguing card within the Magic: The Gathering universe, presenting players with a unique way to control the battlefield. In a close comparison, Ghostly Prison operates similarly, compelling opponents to pay mana in order to attack. Although Ghostly Prison affects all attacking creatures, Diversionary Tactics requires the tapping of an untapped creature you control, providing selective influence over potential threats.

Propaganda is another card that echoes the defensive concept, taxing opponents for each attacker. Like Diversionary Tactics, it is a way to hinder aggressive strategies without directly removing creatures. However, Diversionary Tactics offers the added benefit of targeting specific threats. Meanwhile, Blinding Beam falls into the same category of delay and control, allowing you to tap down creatures, but lacks the repeatable nature of Diversionary Tactics.

Each of these cards carries its own strategic advantages and limitations, but Diversionary Tactics stands out for its ability to continuously dictate the flow of combat on your terms. Its tactical versatility provides a noteworthy edge in games where maintaining control of the board is crucial for victory.

Cards similar to Diversionary Tactics by color, type and mana cost

Divine Transformation - MTG Card versions

Teleportation Circle - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Diversionary Tactics MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Diversionary Tactics and other MTG cards: