Depose // Deploy MTG Card

Offers defensive and offensive capabilities with its tap and token-generating effects, enhancing its dual utility. Instant speed allows for tactical plays and interactions, greatly benefiting in-game decision-making. May have mana and discard drawbacks, yet its versatility and meta-relevance can justify its inclusion.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Create two 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens with flying, then you gain 1 life for each creature you control.

Cards like Depose // Deploy

Depose // Deploy is a versatile card that introduces strategic depth to Magic: The Gathering gameplay. Its closest kin in terms of tap-down effects is perhaps Blustersquall, which can lock down multiple creatures for a similar cost. However, Depose singularly targets one creature and comes with the added bonus of drawing a card.

Focusing on Deploy, the card’s second half, we find a resemblance to cards like Battle Screech, which also creates flying tokens. Deploy, however, not only summons two Thopter tokens with flying but gains you life equal to the number of creatures you control. Thus, Deploy synergizes well with strategies built around life gain and creature-heavy decks.

Another card worth mentioning is Eyes in the Skies. Though it creates only one Bird token with flying, it has the populate mechanic, potentially doubling tokens if the conditions are met. Deploy doesn’t require additional tokens to be effective, which can lead to a more straightforward and piloting experience. All in all, Depose // Deploy may not be the definitive choice in control or token strategies, but its unique combination of effects makes it a noteworthy option in certain MTG decks.

Blustersquall - MTG Card versions
Battle Screech - MTG Card versions
Eyes in the Skies - MTG Card versions
Blustersquall - MTG Card versions
Battle Screech - MTG Card versions
Eyes in the Skies - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Depose // Deploy provides a two-fold advantage by allowing you to tap an opponent’s creature with Depose, thereby mitigating a potential threat during combat. The Deploy side then lets you create two Thopter tokens and gain life equal to the number of creatures you control, potentially restocking your board and bolstering your defenses in one graceful move.

Resource Acceleration: The Deploy side of this versatile card enables you to put creatures into play which can be used defensively or offensively. In addition, the life gained is a valuable resource that can effectively extend the game, giving you those extra turns needed to outpace your opponent.

Instant Speed: The ability to play both Depose and Deploy at instant speed provides significant tactical flexibility. You have the power to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn, holding back mana to react to their moves, and then swiftly shifting the momentum in your favor with a well-timed Deploy at the end of their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One aspect of Depose // Deploy that might deter players is its requirement to discard a card to activate its transform ability. This can be particularly challenging when your hand is already scarce, making it critical to manage your resources efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Depose // Deploy demands a specific blend of mana—blue and white—to cast either half. This can be potentially limiting as it requires a deck tailored around these colors, thus reducing the card’s versatility in multi-color or colorless strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the efficiency of mana usage, Depose // Deploy falls on the higher end for its tactical advantages. While the card does provide the benefit of tapping a creature or creating Thopter tokens, it competes with other spells that may offer similar or more impactful effects at a lesser cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Depose // Deploy offers a unique dual-card advantage by providing two distinct modes that cater to different stages of the game. The ability to tap a target creature and draw a card with Depose is useful for early game control, while Deploy can create Thopter tokens and gain life based on the number of creatures in play, providing a significant advantage in the mid to late game.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergy-based strategies. Deploy works wonders with decks that capitalize on artifact creation or lifegain triggers, further amplifying their effects. Additionally, its instant speed allows for surprise interactions on your opponent’s turn, keeping them guessing and on the defensive.

Meta-Relevance: In a landscape where tempo plays and creature-heavy strategies are prevalent, Depose // Deploy holds its ground as both a reactive and proactive tool. It provides not only board presence and a shift in the tide of life totals but also interacts impressively against opponents’ creatures, making it a relevant card in various metagames.

How to beat

Depose // Deploy is a versatile card offering dual utility in MTG, meshing both tactical delay and creature generation. It can throw off your opponent’s tempo by tapping a powerful attacker with Depose, also providing card draw. Deploy, on the other hand, provides crucial life gain and creates two Thopter tokens, enhancing your board presence.

The key to overcoming Depose // Deploy lies in preempting its activation. Avoid overcommitting on your attack to lessen the impact of Depose, or prepare instant-speed removal for the tokens generated by Deploy. Cards with hexproof or shroud abilities can be particularly effective as they’re immune to Depose’s tap target ability. Additionally, you could employ counterspells to neutralize Depose // Deploy before its effects can manifest, maintaining your advantage on the battlefield.

Keep in mind that while Depose // Deploy is a formidable card, strategizing around it and predicting the optimal moment to strike can mitigate its benefits for your opponent. Clever play and anticipation will allow you to navigate around the tricks this card presents, keeping you in command of the game’s trajectory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Depose // Deploy MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Depose // Deploy and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Depose // Deploy Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Sara Winters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2252015SplitBlackSara Winters
22024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 1852015SplitBlackSara Winters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Depose // Deploy has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-01-25 If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Depose tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. You don’t draw a card. If the target is legal but not tapped (most likely because it was already tapped), you do draw a card.
2019-01-25 You create Thopters and gain life all while Deploy is resolving. Nothing can happen between the two, and no player may choose to take actions.