Deflection MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deflection is a great tool for turning the tables when it comes to card interactions. It allows you to redirect a spell that one opponent has targeted at another player or their resources, effectively conserving your cards while disrupting the opponent’s strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly a resource accelerator, Deflection can save your critical resources by targeting spells that would otherwise remove your creatures or other permanents. This indirect preservation of resources can keep you ahead in the game.

Instant Speed: The power of Deflection shines at instant speed, offering the flexibility to adjust the course of the game during any phase of your opponent’s turn. This can catch opponents off guard, screw up their plans, and ultimately give you a substantial strategic edge.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deflection’s utility can be hampered when the requirement to have a card in hand to discard comes into play, especially in the late game when your hand may be depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a blue mana commitment, which may restrict its inclusion in multicolored decks where mana versatility is key for a smoother gameplay experience.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: A three-mana investment for a single instance of spell redirection is relatively steep, considering there are alternative, lower-cost cards that provide similar or greater functionality within the Magic the Gathering card pool.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Deflection stands out for its ability to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. This card enables you to redirect target spells with a single target, which can be a game changer whether you’re protecting your assets or turning an opponent’s spell against them.

Combo Potential: When it comes to synergy, Deflection shines by creating opportunities for combo plays. It can be a strategic asset in decks that aim to manipulate or benefit from the stack and spell targets, adding a layer of complexity to your plays.

Meta-Relevance: With a landscape that often sees powerful targeted spells, Deflection maintains its relevance. It’s a smart inclusion in a collection as it can tilt the balance of a game by capitalizing on strategic spell redirection, an ever-useful technique in shifting meta environments.

How to beat

Deflection is a unique and potentially game-changing card in Magic: The Gathering that can throw off an opponent’s strategy by redirecting a spell to a new target. Though it may seem daunting, there are ways to outmaneuver its effects. One strategy is to bait out the Deflection with a less crucial spell before casting your more important spells, thereby ensuring their desired effect reaches the intended target. Another effective tactic is to hold onto instant-speed removal or counterspells to handle Deflection directly, maintaining the upper hand in control.

It’s also advantageous to play cards that can’t be redirected, such as those with modal abilities that provide you with various options upon resolution. This flexibility often limits the impact of a Deflection play. Moreover, being aware of your opponent’s mana availability is critical since casting Deflection requires a significant mana investment. Timing your spells when your opponent is low on resources can minimize the risks of your spells being deflected. Utilizing these strategic plays, you can navigate around Deflection and claim victory on the battlefield.