Deconstruction Hammer MTG Card


Deconstruction Hammer excels in artifact or enchantment removal while replacing itself for sustained card advantage. The card provides instant speed versatility, crucial for maintaining tactical surprise in every game phase. Although it requires discarding, its strategic use can significantly impact battlefield control and tempo.
Deconstruction Hammer - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip
Released2023-11-17
Set symbol
Set nameThe Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Set codeLCI
Number9
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDibujante Nocturno

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +1/+1 and has ", , Sacrifice Deconstruction Hammer: Destroy target artifact or enchantment." Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

"All that is made can be unmade. Chimil's light is the only constant." —Oltec artificers' creed


Cards like Deconstruction Hammer

Deconstruction Hammer is a compelling tool for MTG deckbuilders looking to dismantle their opponents’ strategies. Its closest relatives in MTG’s vast arsenal are artifact destruction cards like Shatter, which offers a straightforward, albeit less flexible, approach to removing artifacts at an instant speed. Deconstruction Hammer, on the other hand, brings an innovative twist by allowing repeated use, thanks to its “Equipped creature gets +2/+0” ability, providing not just removal but a power boost as well.

When evaluating similar MTG cards such as Smash to Smithereens, the differences become pronounced. Smash to Smithereens deals damage in addition to artifact destruction, yet it lacks the reusable nature that makes Deconstruction Hammer a persistent threat on the battlefield. And while cards like Abrade provide versatility in choosing between damaging a creature or destroying an artifact, Deconstruction Hammer’s strength lies in its capacity to turn any creature into a repeating threat to artifacts.

Assessing these comparisons, Deconstruction Hammer emerges as a uniquely adaptive choice for players who favor ongoing control over artifacts, along with a side of creature empowerment, reinforcing its position within MTG’s collection of versatile destruction tools.

Shatter - MTG Card versions
Smash to Smithereens - MTG Card versions
Abrade - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Smash to Smithereens - MTG Card versions
Abrade - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deconstruction Hammer by color, type and mana cost

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Dispeller's Capsule - MTG Card versions
Court Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Origin Spellbomb - MTG Card versions
Implement of Improvement - MTG Card versions
Esper Sentinel - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Mouser - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Javelineer - MTG Card versions
Immovable Rod - MTG Card versions
Portable Hole - MTG Card versions
Hedgewitch's Mask - MTG Card versions
Hotshot Mechanic - MTG Card versions
Inchblade Companion - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Drawbridge - MTG Card versions
T.A.P.P.E.R. - MTG Card versions
Pin Collection - MTG Card versions
Yotian Frontliner - MTG Card versions
Swooping Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skrelv, Defector Mite - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Deconstruction Hammer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formUOL LCI Sealed League
Five-colorFive-color Free formTorino Tournament - Lost Caverns of Ixalan

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deconstruction Hammer shines by enabling you to dismantle an opposing artifact or enchantment, effectively removing a threat from the board while also giving you a replacement card. This trade-off can be pivotal in ensuring you don’t fall behind in card economy.

Resource Acceleration: Beyond its primary ability to deal with problematic non-creature permanents, this tool offers resource acceleration. By smoothing out your mana curve, it helps you deploy your hand more efficiently, setting the stage for a more commanding presence on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The true power of Deconstruction Hammer is its instant speed capability. This functionality grants you the flexibility to respond to your opponents’ plays during their turn or at the end of their turn, maintaining the element of surprise and tactical superiority.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deconstruction Hammer necessitates discarding a card which could deplete your hand, especially if you’re running a deck with few draw options.

Specific Mana Cost: With its colored mana requirement, the Hammer may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks, potentially causing delays in its casting.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its casting cost is considerable when compared to other artifact removal options, which might be a hindrance in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include Deconstruction Hammer in Your Collection

Versatility: Deconstruction Hammer boasts a flexible role in numerous decks, particularly those that seek to control artifacts or utilize Equipment synergies. Its ability to dismantle opponents’ strategies while equipping creatures makes it a dual-threat on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This card excels at creating openings for combos, enabling artifact-centric decks to flourish. By strategically destroying key pieces of your opponent’s setup, Deconstruction Hammer can pivot the game’s tide in your favor while paving the way for your own win conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where artifacts frequently play a central role, having access to artifact removal can be crucial. Deconstruction Hammer offers this utility, ensuring that your deck remains competitive in a variety of matchups by countering prevalent artifact strategies.


How to beat

The Deconstruction Hammer is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering that can be a real game-changer in the hands of the right player. Its ability to destroy opposing artifacts and enchantments offers a tactical advantage. However, there are several effective strategies for overcoming this potent card. To start with, you should prioritize the removal of the Hammer before its ability can be activated. Cards with instant-speed removal options are perfect for this, as you can respond to its casting or activation immediately.

Additionally, employing counterspells will ensure the Hammer never touches the battlefield, negating its abilities outright. If the Hammer is already in play, shifting focus to strategies that rely less on artifacts and enchantments can reduce its impact. Building a deck that can operate efficiently even with key pieces removed will lessen the disruption caused by the Deconstruction Hammer. Lastly, if the Hammer is used as a win condition, disrupting your opponent’s setup with hand disruption or forcing them to discard can dismantle their strategy. All in all, understanding and anticipating your opponent’s moves can transform the Deconstruction Hammer from a formidable obstacle to a minor nuisance in your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deconstruction Hammer MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Deconstruction Hammer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deconstruction Hammer has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-11-10 If Deconstruction Hammer somehow ends up attached to a creature controlled by a different player, that player won't be able to activate the granted ability, as they can't pay the cost of sacrificing Deconstruction Hammer, a permanent they don't control.