Deathlace MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 12 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Changes the color of one card either being played or already in play to black. Cost to cast, tap, maintain, or use a special ability of target card remains entirely unchanged.
Cards like Deathlace
Deathlace from Magic: The Gathering offers players the unique ability to change the color of any card to black—a distinctive trait in the realm of color manipulation. This card echoes the effects of cards such as Purelace, which provides a similar mono-color conversion ability, targeting white instead. However, Deathlace emerges as the darker twist to this color-changing arsenal.
Within this niche, we also spotlight Spectral Shift. While this card allows for a broader spectrum of color changes, it is constrained to two colors at once. In this way, Deathlace’s straightforward, single-color focus gives players a more predictable and controlled outcome. Another relevant comparison could be drawn with Glamerdye, an Instant card that not only changes the color of a permanent but can also change the text of a particular color word on that card. Despite Glamerdye’s versatility, its two mana cost makes it slightly less mana-efficient than the singly hued Deathlace.
Considering the seldom-used aspect of color alteration in gameplay, Deathlace does provide a niche but potentially strategic option for players who wish to outmaneuver color-specific hindrances or enhance their own black-centric tactics on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Deathlace by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Deathlace doesn’t directly result in card advantage, it can be used strategically to protect your key permanents by making them black, which can be advantageous against decks that may have difficulty handling black creatures or other permanents.
Resource Acceleration: Deathlace itself doesn’t provide resource acceleration, but changing a card’s color can potentially unlock synergy with other cards that reward you for controlling black permanents, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: Deathlace can be cast at instant speed, providing flexibility and allowing you to respond to opponents’ actions. For instance, casting it in response to a color-specific removal spell can save your permanent, turning a potentially negative situation into a favorable one.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Deathlace doesn’t ask players to discard, it does have a requirement that can be a setback. Like many cards with specific effects, finding the right moment to play Deathlace can be challenging, making it sit unused in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Deathlace demands black mana, which means it might not seamlessly fit into all deck types. Players running multicolor decks might find the black mana requirement a bit restrictive when they are aiming for a tight mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deathlace’s mana cost is on the higher side when considering it solely changes the color of a spell or permanent. Given its narrow application, the cost can be deemed inefficient, especially when there are other cards that can influence the board state more significantly for the same, if not lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include Deathlace in Your Collection
Versatility: Deathlace is a unique card that can turn any permanent black, an ability that can be utilized in decks focusing on color matters strategies. It’s a tool that offers creative ways to interact with cards that are influenced by color-specific conditions.
Combo Potential: This card can be combined with effects that penalize or destroy black cards, or it can be used defensively to protect your permanents in decks that capitalize on black being a safe color on your board.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where color identity is vital—such as Commander—Deathlace can serve as a tactical element to disrupt opponent strategies or enhance your own color-based synergies, making it a worthwhile consideration for your arsenal.
How to beat
Deathlace, a classic card from the world of MTG, can alter the landscape of the game by turning any permanent into a black one. To effectively navigate around this spell, one must be diligent about the board state. Knowing when to play your cards and anticipating your opponent’s actions are key strategies. In decks that heavily feature multicolored permanents, one way to counter Deathlace is to employ protection spells or abilities that shield your cards from being targeted by black spells.
Maintaining a diverse mana base can also thwart Deathlace’s potential impact by making it less disruptive to your strategy. Artifacts and enchantments that neutralize color changes or provide colorless protection can be a firm defense against the change that Deathlace brings. Moreover, leveraging instants that can counteract target-changing spells before they resolve ensures that critical components of your strategy remain unaffected. Last but not least, playing cards that capitalize on being black – such as those that thrive on color-based synergies – can turn the tables on an adversary using Deathlace, making it a double-edged sword in competitive MTG gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deathlace 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 Deathlace and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Deathlace Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Sandra Everingham.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 101 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 102 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 102 | 1993 | Normal | White | Sandra Everingham | |
4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 102 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 102 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
6 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 102 | 1993 | Normal | White | Sandra Everingham | |
7 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 102 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 102 | 1993 | Normal | White | Sandra Everingham | |
9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 131 | 1993 | Normal | White | Sandra Everingham | |
10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 131 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
11 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 396 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham | |
12 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 99 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sandra Everingham |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deathlace has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Oldschool | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |