Cruel Deceiver MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Released | 2004-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Champions of Kamigawa |
| Set code | CHK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 106 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nottsuo |
Text of card
: Look at the top card of your library. : Reveal the top card of your library. If it's a land, Cruel Deceiver gains "Whenever Cruel Deceiver deals damage to a creature, destroy that creature" until end of turn. Play this ability only once each turn.
Cards like Cruel Deceiver
Cruel Deceiver is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, particularly for its ability to manipulate the top card of the library. It bears comparison to other cards that offer similar peeks into the future gameplay, such as the deceitful Denizen of the Deep. While Denizen of the Deep doesn’t allow for a look at the top card, it compensates with sheer power in bringing other sea creatures into play.
Continuing the analysis, the Harbinger of the Tides is another related card. While it doesn’t interact directly with the top card of your library, it does offer interaction with the board by allowing you to return a creature to its owner’s hand. This can create a tactical advantage, similar to how knowledge of the top card via Cruel Deceiver can be utilized.
Furthermore, Omenreader shares the predictive theme, though its focus is to reduce casting costs once you have the knowledge of your top deck, contrasting with the direct combat trickery of Cruel Deceiver.
When evaluated amongst its peers, Cruel Deceiver stands out for its unique blend of combat relevance and top-deck manipulation, providing subtle strategic depth to the gameplay.
Cards similar to Cruel Deceiver by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Cruel Deceiver does not directly allow you to draw cards, its scry ability enables strategic planning by giving you the choice to either keep the top card of your library or send it to the graveyard, ensuring better quality draws and offering a subtle form of card advantage over time.
Resource Acceleration: While Cruel Deceiver isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its inherent ability to manipulate the top card of your library can indirectly accelerate your access to much-needed mana or key spells that drive your strategy forward.
Instant Speed: Although Cruel Deceiver doesn’t operate at instant speed, it still provides value during combat. Its activated ability allows you to potentially increase its power before damage is dealt, thereby creating a deterrent for opponents considering an attack and giving you an edge during the combat phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Incorporating the Cruel Deceiver into your strategy could be tricky since it lacks a direct discard ability. This means you’ll need other cards or mechanisms to facilitate discards, potentially complicating your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: Deploying the Cruel Deceiver requires a precise mana setup: one black and one generic. This particular cost may not seamlessly fit into all deck types, especially those that are mana-flexible or multicolored-focused.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a creature that provides a potentially uncertain benefit, some players might find the payoff doesn’t match the investment, especially when other cards with guaranteed effects could utilize the mana more effectively.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cruel Deceiver works well in a variety of deck structures. Its ability to manipulate the top card of your library is a useful skill that can serve control and combo decks alike, making it a flexible pick for those who appreciate strategic depth.
Combo Potential: This card shines in setups that leverage the top card of the library. With the right synergies, it could easily become part of an engine that churns through your deck or manipulates the next draw, leading to powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where knowing the top card of your library can give you an edge in decision-making, Cruel Deceiver gains significance. It might not be a staple in every meta, but for players keen on exploiting such mechanics, its inclusion could be a cunning move.
How to beat
Cruel Deceiver is a card that beckons players into a game of chance within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This spirit creature may appear modest with its ability to manipulate the deck, but it can be a sly component in your opponent’s strategy. Just like other cards that involve deck manipulation and probability, understanding its mechanism is key to countering its effects.
To diminish Cruel Deceiver’s impact, it is advisable to have instant speed removal. By removing it before the declare blockers step, you prevent any potential combat trickery. Moreover, graveyard hate can be effective too. Cards like Scavenging Ooze can target the creature once it’s in the graveyard, hindering any plans your opponent has for a possible resurgence. It’s also essential to maintain pressure; creatures with trample or those that can bypass blockers help ensure that your attacks have a lasting effect despite your opponent’s attempts to manipulate odds with Cruel Deceiver.
In essence, overcoming a card like Cruel Deceiver demands preemptive measures and maintaining aggressive gameplay. By employing the right tactics, you can swiftly negate the advantages that this deceptive creature brings to the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cruel Deceiver MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Cruel Deceiver and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cruel Deceiver has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |