Humble Defector MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Power 2
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Humble Defector’s ability to draw cards offers a significant edge by expanding strategic options.
  2. Interaction with instant speed spells and abilities elevates its versatile gameplay impact.
  3. Demands skillful play to prevent opponents from capitalizing on the card’s disadvantages.

Text of card

: Draw two cards. Target opponent gains control of Humble Defector. Activate this ability only during your turn.

"You were once Mardu, so your body and will are strong. Now we must train your mind." —Houn, Jeskai elder


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Humble Defector presents a unique opportunity to draw two additional cards, expertly aiding in outpacing your opponent through increased card flow. This can set the stage for a strategical upper hand as you access more options from your deck.

Resource Acceleration: While not generating resources directly, the ability to draw cards swiftly can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by uncovering the lands or spells required to further your board state. This can be especially crucial in the early to mid-stages of the game.

Instant Speed: Despite the activation of Humble Defector not being at instant speed, its interaction with instant speed spells and abilities can craft an advantageous board state. For example, combining it with effects that untap creatures or return it to your hand after activation allows for immediate benefit without the downside of gifting it to an opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Humble Defector requires a very specific tactic to maximize its benefits as it must be handed over to an opponent. This transfer can be seen as a pseudo discard, potentially setting your opponent up with advantages if not properly mitigated.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring one red and one generic mana, Humble Defector’s cost demands a commitment to red mana sources which can restrict deck-building flexibility, particularly in multi-color deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although its initial cost is reasonable, the true expense lies in its activation that doesn’t immediately benefit the controlling player. If not used with a clever combination or synergizing cards, other options might serve as more straightforward and beneficial for card advantage.


Reasons to Include Humble Defector in Your Collection

Versatility: Humble Defector offers a unique twist on card draw mechanics, making it a great fit for decks that need card advantage. Its ability to draw two cards for a mere two mana can seamlessly integrate with numerous strategies, providing you with the resources you need when you need them.

Combo Potential: The card’s ability to change control can be exploited in various combos, particularly in decks utilizing untap mechanisms or ways to sacrifice it for value. These interactions allow you to maintain control over the Humble Defector and reap continuous benefits.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where card draw is king, Humble Defector shines by giving players the upper hand against opponents. An early game draw can drastically change the tide of battle in your favor, making it a smart choice against both aggro and control decks.


How to beat

Humble Defector presents an interesting dynamic in MTG games, standing out with its ability to draw cards for its controller. This red creature allows players to tap and draw two cards, but it comes with the catch that you then have to hand over the creature to an opponent. Though it may seem like a generous gesture, savvy players often use it to their advantage, creating intriguing political situations within matches.

To effectively counteract Humble Defector, it’s crucial to minimize the benefits it grants your opponents. Tactics may include removing it before the ability is used or employing means to untap it and gain the bonus yourself. Sudden Shock is an example of a card that can disrupt the defector’s ability due to its split second property, ensuring that opponents can’t respond with any untap tricks. Additionally, controlling cards that limit the actions of your opponents or utilizing graveyard strategies to make use of the cards they discard are ways to turn Humble Defector’s strength into a disadvantage for the opponent. Approaching this card with a strategic mindset can ensure that you come out ahead when it hits the board.

Understanding and anticipating the political play that Humble Defector encourages can be just as significant as any in-game mechanic for mastering its impact on the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Humble Defector’s place in MTG is a testament to the depth and complexity of the game. With its card draw potency, this unique creature can boost your strategy and set you a step ahead in the draw race. Pairing it with clever plays and combining it with other cards enhances its value, ensuring you get the most from each game. Are you prepared to manipulate the alliance with Humble Defector or turn its cons into advantages? Dive deeper into our insights and tips to unlock the full potential of this intriguing card in your MTG arsenal. Join the community of skilled players and redefine your gaming strategy now.


Cards like Humble Defector

Humble Defector is a clever addition to the pool of red card draw options in Magic: The Gathering. Its nearest relative may be considered Arcane Encyclopedia, given that both provide consistent card advantage. However, the dynamics between the two vary notably; Humble Defector encourages strategic timing and player negotiation with its tap ability that requires one to hand over the creature to an opponent for a fresh pair of cards. The allure of Humble Defector lies in this interaction and the politicking it brings to the table.

Contrast that with another card, Rogue’s Gloves, which shares the concept of drawing cards through a creature but requires combat to do so. It draws only one card and bypasses the political gameplay entirely. Lastly, let’s consider Ghirapur Orrery, an artifact pushing players towards land drops and rewarding an empty hand with additional card draw. This works quite differently than Humble Defector, which does not condition the draw on hand size or land presence but rather on the willingness to pass control of a valuable asset to an adversary.

Assessing different card draw engines, Humble Defector stands out for players who relish tactical collaboration as well as disruption while seeking to gain card advantage in MTG.

Arcane Encyclopedia - MTG Card versions
Rogue's Gloves - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Orrery - MTG Card versions
Arcane Encyclopedia - Core Set 2019 (M19)
Rogue's Gloves - Magic 2015 (M15)
Ghirapur Orrery - Kaladesh Promos (PKLD)

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Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
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Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
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Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)
Dwarven Soldier - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mogg War Marshal - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)
Stigma Lasher - Eventide (EVE)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Humble Defector MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Fate Reforged, 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 Humble Defector and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Humble Defector Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 860902015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
22015-01-23Fate ReforgedFRF 1042015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
32016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1292015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
42018-03-16Masters 25A25 1352015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
52020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1542015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
62020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1842015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
72020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 6672015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
82021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1742015normalblackSlawomir Maniak
92023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2222015normalblackBruno Biazotto

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Humble Defector has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Humble Defector card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2020-11-10 Humble Defector's ability can be activated any time during your turn, including in response to a spell or ability.
2020-11-10 If Humble Defector is controlled by a player other than its owner, and its controller leaves the game, the effect giving that player control of Humble Defector ends. Humble Defector will return to the control of the player still in the game who most recently controlled it.
2020-11-10 If Humble Defector isn't on the battlefield as its ability resolves, but the target player is still a legal target, the ability will resolve. You'll draw two cards, even though the player doesn't gain control of Humble Defector.
2020-11-10 If Humble Defector's owner leaves the game, Humble Defector humbly leaves the game along with that player.

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