Deadly Complication MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 312
2024-02-09 - Number 195
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose one or both — • Destroy target creature. • Put a +1/+1 counter on target suspected creature you control. You may have it become no longer suspected.
"Etrata was in custody long before Teysa was killed. It's impossible that she could be the culprit." —Alquist Proft, case notes
Cards like Deadly Complication
Deadly Complication offers an engaging twist on the black instant spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s reminiscent of other removal spells such as Murder, which offers a clear path to destroy target creatures. However, Deadly Complication introduces a strategic layer by allowing a player to draw a card if a certain condition, typically involving the creatures in the graveyard, is met.
When considering spells like Terminate, with its guaranteed creature destruction without the chance to regenerate, one notices that Deadly Complication trades immediate and unconditional removal for the potential card draw benefit. Then there’s Go for the Throat, comparable in its creature targeting mechanism but limited to non-artifact creatures and without the card draw opportunity.
Analyzing the utility and versatility of Deadly Complication within MTG reveals its potential to dynamically affect both the battlefield and the player’s hand, positioning itself as a valuable tool in decks that capitalize on graveyard strategies and card advantage.
Cards similar to Deadly Complication by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Deadly Complication. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | UOL MKM Sealed League | |
 | Rakdos Midrange | Standard | Rakdos Midrange | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Deadly Complication is a powerhouse when it comes to card advantage. This card enables the player to disrupt an opponent’s move and draw a card, essentially replacing itself in your hand and ensuring you maintain a strong grip on the game’s flow.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, Deadly Complication can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By removing a crucial threat from the opponent’s board, you can pave the way for your own strategies to unfold without delay. It can provide you with the pivotal moment you need to turn the tides in your favor.
Instant Speed: Instant speed spells like Deadly Complication offer significant strategic depth, allowing you to react in real-time to your opponent’s plays. Whether it’s interrupting a combo or providing a surprise block by removing an attacker, the versatility of an instant can be a game-changer.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Deadly Complication adds a layer of decision-making to your game, as it asks you to pitch a card from your hand aside from its mana cost. This can potentially deplete your hand and reduce options in crucial moments, making it a risky play if you’re not holding surplus cards.
Specific Mana Cost: With a strict color alignment, this card demands a certain composition in your mana base. It might not always be convenient or efficient to dedicate the necessary mana specifically for this card, particularly in multi-colored decks where mana flexibility is critical.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to the resources you invest, this card’s effectiveness is up for debate. For the same mana cost, the meta often offers alternatives that may not have a discard requirement, or provide a more impactful immediate effect or board presence.
Reasons to Include Deadly Complication in Your Collection
Versatility: Deadly Complication offers a unique flexibility that allows it to be slotted into a wide variety of decks. Its ability to disrupt your opponent’s plays while potentially drawing you a card makes it a useful tool in many different game scenarios.
Combo Potential: With its intrinsic synergy with discarding and drawing mechanics, Deadly Complication can serve as a key piece in decks that capitalize on these actions. Its presence can significantly enhance strategies that revolve around card advantage and hand manipulation.
Meta-Relevance: In a gaming landscape that often rewards strategic disruption and card advantage, Deadly Complication is well-positioned. It’s especially potent in metas dominated by combo or control decks, where timing and precision can swing a match in your favor.
How to beat
Overcoming Deadly Complication in MTG requires a strategic approach. This card is designed to disrupt your plans by forcing a sacrifice whenever you cast a spell with a single target. Consequently, the key is to minimize situations where it can be effective against you. Consider employing spells that affect multiple targets or no targets at all. By doing so, you reduce the opportunities for your opponent to capitalize on the card’s effect. Cards with static abilities or those that offer beneficial effects without the need to target also bypass Deadly Complication’s constraints.
Additionally, destroying the enchantment directly either through targeted removals like disenchant effects or by using versatile board wipes that clear multiple types of permanents can neutralize this problem. Be mindful, however, to activate these at an opportune time when Deadly Complication’s effect won’t cause significant loss on your side. A well-timed removal can swing the game back in your favor.
Finally, always consider the cost of your actions against Deadly Complication. Sometimes it may be more prudent to hold back and develop your board until you can handle the consequences of the enchantment or remove it altogether. With careful play, you can mitigate the impact of Deadly Complication and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deadly Complication MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Deadly Complication 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
Printings
The Deadly Complication Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 312 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Monztre | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 195 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jodie Muir |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deadly Complication has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |