Deathgrip MTG Card

Deathgrip grants control over green creatures, swinging the card advantage in your favor. Flexibility is key; a non-green, diverse deck palette diminishes Deathgrip’s impact. Strategic spell sequencing and targeted removal can effectively neutralize Deathgrip.

Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
1993-08-05 - Number 100

Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
1993-10-04 - Number 101

Unlimited Edition (2ED)
1993-12-01 - Number 101

Deathgrip - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)

Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
1993-12-10 - Number 101

Collectors' Edition (CED)
1993-12-10 - Number 101

Revised Edition (3ED)
1994-04-01 - Number 101

Foreign Black Border (FBB)
1994-04-01 - Number 101

Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
1994-06-21 - Number 101

Deathgrip - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)

Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
1995-04-01 - Number 130

Fourth Edition (4ED)
1995-04-01 - Number 130

Fifth Edition (5ED)
1997-03-24 - Number 154

Masters Edition IV (ME4)
2011-01-10 - Number 75

Deathgrip - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 395

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 98

Card sets	Released in 14 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment

Text of card

o Boo B Destroy a green spell as it is being cast. This action may be played as an interrupt, and does not affect green cards already in play.

Cards like Deathgrip

Deathgrip stands out within the realm of control magic as a unique card. It’s part of a card lineage that gives players the power to counter spells, reminiscent of the classic Counterspell. However, unlike Counterspell’s broad range, Deathgrip has a narrower focus, offering the ability to counter only green spells. This specialization makes it a potentially more situational, yet potent tool against decks heavy in green magic.

Looking to other cards, we come across Gloom, which, like Deathgrip, is tailored to thwart a specific color—this time, white. Gloom makes white spells cost more to cast, indirectly controlling an opponent’s ability to play the game with efficiency. Similarly, there’s Lifeforce, which is the opposite number to Deathgrip, providing green mages with the means to counter black magic exclusively.

Ultimately, while cards like Gloom and Lifeforce offer their brand of color-specific interference, Deathgrip holds a valuable niche within control strategies, especially within formats where green spells dominate. Its targeted denial capabilities can asymmetrically disrupt an opponent’s plan, securing its place as a card to consider in a strategic MTG deck build against green-centric opponents.

Cards similar to Deathgrip by color, type and mana cost

Chains of Mephistopheles - MTG Card versions

Tribute to Horobi // Echo of Death's Wail - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The ability of Deathgrip to consistently neutralize an opponent’s green creatures can lead to an incremental card advantage over time. By denying opponents the resolution of their key creatures, you effectively reduce their available resources while maintaining your own board position.

Resource Acceleration: Although Deathgrip doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana or tokens, it acts as a deterrent, allowing you to accelerate your game plan with fewer interruptions. The psychological impact of having a removal option always available can’t be overstated, as it often forces opponents to play around it, slowing down their own development.

Instant Speed: Deathgrip highlights the power of having control at instant speed. The threat of instant disruption it poses can shift your opponent’s strategies substantially; they must consider the potential of their green spells being nullified at any moment, providing you with a tangible edge during the course of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Deathgrip card does not have a discard requirement, players must remain aware of the detriment to hand advantage when repeatedly using its abilities. Each activation costs you a card, effectively reducing the options available in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Deathgrip demands black mana for both casting and activating its ability. This requirement can be prohibitive for multi-colored or non-black decks, potentially limiting its flexibility across a broader range of decks and strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the casting cost set at two black mana, Deathgrip’s initial cost is manageable. However, the ongoing mana requirement to utilize its effect can add up, making it a resource-heavy investment compared to other control options available in the game. Players must carefully consider if the ability to counter green spells is worth the potential strain on their mana economy throughout the match.

Reasons to Include Deathgrip Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathgrip’s utility spans a variety of deck builds, particularly excelling in formats where green creatures and spells dominate. Its ability to thwart green spells makes it a valuable tool in a mage’s arsenal, adaptable to changing game conditions.

Combo Potential: As a repeatable source of disruption, Deathgrip adds depth to control strategies, offering a way to consistently hinder an opponent’s game plan. This can be paired with other cards that benefit from spell denial or the graveyard stocking that results from countered spells.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta flush with potent green strategies, leveraging the power of Deathgrip can be game-changing. The card’s influence can shift the balance of power, acting as a safeguard against some of the most formidable green threats in the game.

How to beat

Overcoming Deathgrip in Magic: The Gathering requires precise strategy, as its ability to counter green spells is a significant advantage in the game. To mitigate its impact, diversifying your deck’s color palette becomes essential. Incorporating non-green spells provides you with the versatility to circumvent Deathgrip’s constraint. Deploying colorless artifacts or placing reliance on creatures and spells from outside the green spectrum diminishes Deathgrip’s potency.

Another efficient approach is to utilize spells that can specifically target Deathgrip, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can destroy the enchantment outright. Additionally, leveraging cards with abilities that negate the effects of enchantments or provide your spells with protection from black preserves your ability to play your green spells without fear of being countered. Conserving mana to play around Deathgrip’s activation cost, or baiting it with less crucial spells before deploying your key cards, can also shift the balance in your favor.

Ultimately, defeating Deathgrip in MTG hinges on a well-rounded deck, an awareness of its potential presence in an opponent’s gameplay, and a tactical approach to sequencing your spells. Adaptation and smart play are the cornerstones of victory against this formidable card.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathgrip MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Deathgrip and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Deathgrip Magic the Gathering card was released in 13 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1993-08-05	Limited Edition Alpha	LEA	100	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
2	1993-10-04	Limited Edition Beta	LEB	101	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
3	1993-12-01	Unlimited Edition	2ED	101	1993	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
4	1993-12-10	Intl. Collectors' Edition	CEI	101	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
5	1993-12-10	Collectors' Edition	CED	101	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
6	1994-04-01	Revised Edition	3ED	101	1993	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
7	1994-04-01	Foreign Black Border	FBB	101	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
8	1994-06-21	Summer Magic / Edgar	SUM	101	1993	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
9	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border	4BB	130	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
10	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition	4ED	130	1993	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
11	1997-03-24	Fifth Edition	5ED	154	1997	Normal	White	Anson Maddocks
12	2011-01-10	Masters Edition IV	ME4	75	1997	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
13	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	395	1997	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
14	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	98	2015	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deathgrip has restrictions

Format	Legality
Oldschool	Legal
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal