Deep-Cavern Bat MTG Card
2023-11-17 - Number 406
2023-11-17 - Number 102
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Bat |
| Abilities | Flying,Lifelink |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying, lifelink When Deep-Cavern Bat enters the battlefield, look at target opponent's hand. You may exile a nonland card from it until Deep-Cavern Bat leaves the battlefield.
Cards like Deep-Cavern Bat
Deep-Cavern Bat presents as an intriguing creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, somewhat akin to other flying creatures within its mana range. One comparable card is Vampire Nighthawk, which not only flies but also brings additional abilities, like deathtouch and lifelink, to the table for the same mana cost. These features provide substantial control and survivability benefits, distinguishing it from the more straightforward approach of Deep-Cavern Bat.
Another card worth mentioning is Cloudkin Seer. While it also costs three mana and flies, the Seer draws you a card upon entering the battlefield, offering immediate value that the bat does not. On the flip side, Spectral Sailor can be summoned for just a single mana. Though it has a smaller body, it compensates with flash and a mana sink ability, letting you draw cards late into the game.
Therefore, when we analyze the role of Deep-Cavern Bat among its peers, it’s clear that while the bat is a solid choice for an aggressive flying strategy, other cards within the same cost range offer additional utility that can be pivotal in various gameplay scenarios.
Cards similar to Deep-Cavern Bat by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Deep-Cavern Bat. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Abzan Amalia Combo | Pioneer | Abzan Amalia Combo | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-18 |
 | Esper Midrange | Standard | Esper Midrange | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1) |
 | Golgari Midrange | Standard | Golgari Midrange | Standard League 2024-05-18 |
 | 4c Legends | Standard | 4c Legends | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1) |
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Pioneer | Mono-Black Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-18 |
 | Rakdos Midrange | Pioneer | Rakdos Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-18 (1) |
 | Dimir Midrange | Standard | Dimir Midrange | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1) |
 | Golgari Fight Rigging | Standard | Golgari Fight Rigging | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Deep-Cavern Bat can contribute to your card advantage through its ability to potentially deal direct damage every time it attacks, which in certain deck builds could be translated into card draw mechanisms harmonizing with other cards.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly affecting your mana pool, Deep-Cavern Bat can apply pressure early on, forcing opponents to deal with it and potentially expending resources that could accelerate your own board state as they react to the presence of your flying threat.
Instant Speed: While the Deep-Cavern Bat itself doesn’t have instant speed, its flying ability offers a form of indirect speed advantage. It bypasses ground-based blockers, allowing you to maintain momentum by capitalizing on open airways, much like the versatility and unpredictability of an instant.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To make full use of Deep-Cavern Bat’s potential, you may need to discard another card which could deplete your hand, especially detrimental in decks that don’t operate well with low card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Deep-Cavern Bat requires a specific allocation of mana, including black mana, which might not integrate seamlessly into multicolored decks or those that focus on mana flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Charging three mana for its abilities, Deep-Cavern Bat’s cost may be considered steep when compared to other creatures with similar stats or effects, which could reduce its competitive viability.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Deep-Cavern Bat offers flexibility for deck builders looking to incorporate evasive creatures. Its flying ability allows it to glide over ground defenders, making it a suitable option for various deck archetypes that might need reliable airborne attackers or defenders.
Combo Potential: This creature can seamlessly integrate into decks that capitalize on bat synergies or life loss mechanics. Its presence on the battlefield can complement strategies aiming to drain opponents’ life totals or benefit from the presence of flying creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where smaller creatures dominate, Deep-Cavern Bat can be particularly efficient. It slots well into aggressive strategies that aim to quickly reduce the opponent’s life points and can be an under-the-radar threat in the right meta.
How to Beat Deep-Cavern Bat
Deep-Cavern Bat is a unique creature card in the vast world of MTG. What makes this card a topic of strategy discussions is its flying ability, which allows it to swoop over ground forces and its potential to chip away at an opponent’s life total without necessarily engaging in direct combat. Think of it as a tool that every player needs a plan to counteract.
Countering Deep-Cavern Bat starts with understanding its strengths. Its flight gives it evasion, making it crucial to have blockers with reach or flying of your own. Alternatively, incorporating instant spells that can target and destroy or incapacitate a flying creature is key. Consider using cost-effective removal spells that can deal with the bat before it can deal significant damage. Remember also, enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking or abilities that can tap creatures can help neutralize the threat.
Effectively handling cards like Deep-Cavern Bat involves a balance of predictive play and reaction. Maintaining board control and keeping resources for the right moment is just as important as having the right card to deal with flying threats. With proper planning and the right cards in your deck, you’ll be well-equipped to handle Deep-Cavern Bat and other similar threats.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deep-Cavern Bat MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan and 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 Deep-Cavern Bat and other MTG cards:
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- Card Market
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Printings
The Deep-Cavern Bat Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-11-17 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Campbell White.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan | LCI | 406 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Campbell White | |
| 2 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan | LCI | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Campbell White |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deep-Cavern Bat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deep-Cavern Bat 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 Deep-Cavern Bat leaves the battlefield before its last ability resolves, you'll still look at the target opponent's hand, but you won't exile any cards from it. |