Dead // Gone MTG Card

Offers the flexibility of removal or tempo play, adapting to in-game situations. Demands precise mana, potentially limiting its deck compatibility. Valuable in specific metas, countering aggressive or small-creature strategies effectively.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Return target creature you don't control to its owner's hand.

Cards like Dead // Gone

Dead // Gone is a unique split card from Magic: The Gathering that offers versatility to savvy players. Akin to other split cards, such as Fire // Ice, it provides two distinct actions allowing for strategic adaptability in gameplay. Fire // Ice offers both the ability to deal damage and draw cards, akin to the removal aspect of Dead and the utility of Gone, though without the bounce mechanic.

Comparatively speaking, we have something like Turn // Burn, which presents two separate effects designed for creature manipulation, much like Dead // Gone. However, Turn // Burn focuses on creature stats alteration and targeted damage, not removal or bounce. Looking at a purely removal-oriented card like Terminate, it shines with its simplicity and unconditional creature removal, closely resembling the ‘Dead’ half’s ability to deal with threats on the board without the flexibility provided by a second option.

Ultimately, Dead // Gone offers an interesting position within MTG’s array of removal and control spells, providing a combination of tactical denial and preemptive creature control that can prove highly valuable in various gameplay scenarios.

Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Turn // Burn - MTG Card versions
Terminate - MTG Card versions
Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Turn // Burn - MTG Card versions
Terminate - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Functioning as two spells in one, Dead // Gone provides card advantage by offering multiple reactive options within a single card slot, maximizing the potential impact on the game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly affecting resources, the flexibility of choosing between Dead or Gone allows for efficient use of mana each turn, keeping up the pace or even putting you ahead of your opponent’s plays.

Instant Speed: With the capacity to act at instant speed, Dead // Gone grants the ability to surprise an opponent by removing creatures during combat or at the end of their turn, keeping your strategy adaptive and responsive.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Dead // Gone requires a discard, which could be a setback when your hand is already depleted or each card is vital to your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Dead // Gone demands a precise combination of red and another mana for activation, potentially restricting its utility to decks that can consistently produce the necessary colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Dead // Gone might seem steep for its one-time effect, especially when compared to other removal or bounce spells available at lower cost points.

Reasons to Include Dead // Gone in Your Collection

Versatility: Dead // Gone is a flexible card that allows players to choose between removal or tempo plays. The “Dead” half can efficiently remove smaller creatures, while “Gone” can temporarily clear the way for an attack or save one of your own creatures from dangerous situations.

Combo Potential: The card’s split nature can be a significant asset in combo decks that capitalize on casting multiple spells in a single turn. It works well with spells matter strategies and can synergize with cards that trigger upon casting instants or sorceries.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where small creatures and aggressive strategies are prevalent, having a card like Dead // Gone provides a practical answer. Its utility in disrupting opposing plays or outmaneuvering blockers can be critical in gaining the upper hand in games.

How to beat

Dead // Gone presents players with a flexible response option in their MTG arsenal. This split card allows for either targeted creature destruction or a temporary removal from the field. Overcoming it requires careful strategy given its dual capabilities.

For the ‘Dead’ half, indestructible creatures or those with hexproof can be a formidable counter, as they remain untouched by such single-target removal spells. Additionally, using counter spells to preemptively deny ‘Dead’ from resolving will ensure your creatures’ safety. The ‘Gone’ part, a temporary albeit disruptive setback, can be mitigated by playing creatures with enter the battlefield effects, turning the tempo loss into an advantage for your future turns.

When facing an opponent with Dead // Gone in their deck, awareness and resource management become paramount. Anticipate the ‘Dead’ by allocating resources wisely, avoiding over-commitment of key creatures. Leverage the ‘Gone’ by planning for re-casting valuable creatures, potentially re-triggering beneficial abilities upon their return to the battlefield. Considering these strategies can decisively turn the tide against Dead // Gone, shifting the match in your favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dead // Gone MTG card by a specific set like Planar Chaos and Time Spiral Remastered, 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 Dead // Gone and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dead // Gone Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-02-02 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Tomas Giorello.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-02-02Planar ChaosPLC 1132003SplitBlackTomas Giorello
22021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 1612015SplitBlackTomas Giorello

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dead // Gone has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 All split cards have two card faces on a single card, and you put a split card onto the stack as only the half you’re casting. The characteristics of the half of the card you didn’t cast are ignored while the spell is on the stack.
2021-03-19 Each split card has two names. If an effect instructs you to choose a card name, you may choose one of those names, but not both.
2021-03-19 Each split card is a single card. For example, if you discard a split card, you’ve discarded one card, not two. If an effect counts the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard, Dead // Gone counts once, not twice.
2021-03-19 If an effect allows you to cast a spell with certain characteristics, consider only the half you’re casting. For example, if an effect allows you to cast a spell with mana value 2 or less from your hand, you can cast Dead but not Gone.
2021-03-19 If you copy a spell that’s half of a split card, the copy copies that same half. For example, if you copy Dead, the copy is also Dead, not Gone.
2021-03-19 To cast a split card, you choose one half to cast.
2021-03-19 While not on the stack, the characteristics of a split card are the combination of its two halves. For example, Dead // Gone has a mana value of 4. This means that if an effect allows you to search for a card with mana value 2 or less, you can’t find Dead // Gone.