Deepcavern Imp MTG Card
2007-05-04 - Number 83
2013-06-07 - Number 79
2021-03-19 - Number 110
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Imp Rebel |
| Abilities | Echo,Flying,Haste |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying, haste Echo— Discard a card. (At the beginning of your upkeep, if this came under your control since the beginning of your last upkeep, sacrifice it unless you pay its echo cost.)
Cards like Deepcavern Imp
Deepcavern Imp finds a niche within Magic: The Gathering as a creature card with a unique combination of abilities. It bears a resemblance to other cards with the echo and haste attributes, creating dynamic early gameplay opportunities. However, Deepcavern Imp stands out because of its significant downside: discarding a card whenever it attacks. This is reminiscent of Skirsdag High Priest, which also involves card sacrificing but focuses on tapping creatures for a demonic payoff.
Another card worth mentioning is Putrid Imp, which shares the discard feature with Deepcavern Imp. Putrid Imp allows you to discard a card at no cost to grant it flying until the end of the turn. Unlike Deepcavern Imp, this ability is more under your control. Then there’s Heir of Falkenrath, a card that also allows discarding but does so in exchange for transforming into a more powerful creature. The cost of discarding aligns with Deepcavern Imp, but Heir of Falkenrath offers a permanent creature upgrade instead of a temporary burst of speed.
Each of these cards provides a strategic angle for players who want to leverage the discard mechanic for a potential advantage, but Deepcavern Imp does so with the immediate reward of haste, demanding a keen sense for timing and resource management in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Deepcavern Imp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Deepcavern Imp doesn’t directly let you draw additional cards, its recurring nature when equipped with certain cards or synergies can effectively become a form of card advantage, as you continuously get to benefit from its abilities.
Resource Acceleration: The Imp itself might not offer resource acceleration, but it works well in decks built around discarding cards, which could potentially unleash stronger plays, fuel graveyard strategies, or enable reanimation of more powerful creatures earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: This flying menace’s Evoke ability isn’t at instant speed, which means strategy is key. Its haste, however, does allow for an immediate impact on the board, applying pressure right away and demanding an answer from your opponent, often at a pace they might not be ready for.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Deepcavern Imp is the necessity to discard a card every time it attacks. This can quickly deplete your hand, putting you at a disadvantage if you are unable to maintain a sufficient card flow.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and generic mana, Deepcavern Imp can pose a challenge when it comes to mana base. This could make it a less optimal choice in multi-colored decks that might struggle to produce the necessary black mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two black, Deepcavern Imp’s mana investment might not align with the tempo of aggressive decks that aim to deploy threats quickly and efficiently. In such cases, alternative creatures with more impactful abilities or lower mana costs could be preferable.
Reasons to Include Deepcavern Imp in Your Collection
Versatility: Deepcavern Imp offers a level of flexibility that can be appealing for various deck builds. As a creature with flying, it acts as a reliable attacker, capable of evading many ground blockers and pressuring opponents from the air.
Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that capitalize on discard mechanics. With the Echo cost offering a voluntary discard outlet, it can be utilized to synergize with abilities that are triggered when cards are put into a graveyard from anywhere.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where faster, aggressive strategies are prevalent, Deepcavern Imp can shine, adding constant pressure on opponents while complementing strategies that disrupt the opponent’s hand and resource availability.
How to beat
Deepcavern Imp may at first glance catch some MTG players off guard with its evasion ability and the potential to repeatedly come back from the graveyard. This recursive capability makes it a thorn in the side of many conventional strategies. To successfully deal with this pesky flier, one must consider an array of solutions that don’t rely on blocking it in combat.
Graveyard hate cards, such as Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void, can shut down its reanimation ability entirely, making it a one-time threat. Alternatively, incorporating instant-speed removal that can target the Imp regardless of its flying, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, provides a direct way to remove it from the board. Counter spells are also effective at ensuring it never hits the field to begin with. By planning ahead and including these tools, players can mitigate the disruptive presence of Deepcavern Imp and maintain control of the game.
It’s worth emphasizing the importance of timing when using these aforementioned strategies. With proper timing, even the most troublesome creatures like Deepcavern Imp can be handled with relative ease, allowing for a smooth path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deepcavern Imp MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight and Modern Masters, 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 Deepcavern Imp 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
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Printings
The Deepcavern Imp Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-05-04 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Scott Altmann.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-05-04 | Future Sight | FUT | 83 | future | Normal | Black | Scott Altmann | |
| 2 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 79 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Altmann | |
| 3 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 110 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Altmann |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deepcavern Imp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deepcavern Imp card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-05-01 | If you have no cards in hand, you can’t pay the echo cost and Deepcavern Imp will be sacrificed. |