Deputy of Acquittals MTG Card


Deputy of Acquittals recycles creatures for card advantage and unexpected defensive plays. Its mana requirements can be restrictive, and lacking creatures limits its use. A strategic pick in control or tempo decks, its flash ability adds value.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Abilities Flash
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When Deputy of Acquittals enters the battlefield, you may return another target creature you control to its owner's hand.

"Everyone deserves a day in court."


Cards like Deputy of Acquittals

Deputy of Acquittals serves a unique role in Magic: The Gathering, with a blend of creature and utility. It’s a notable analogue to cards like Aether Adept; both offer a way to return a creature to its owner’s hand. The Deputy of Acquittals, however, stands out with its flash ability, allowing players to execute surprise plays and save a creature during an opponent’s turn.

Another card worth mentioning is Man-o’-War. While it lacks the multicolor flexibility of Deputy of Acquittals, Man-o’-War is a boon for its ability to target opposing creatures, thus disrupting enemy strategies. Conversely, Deputy of Acquittals requires a creature you control as the target, positioning it as a defensive play more than an offensive disruption.

Comparatively, within this space, Deputy of Acquittals proves its worth by offering versatility and strategic depth. Its instant speed capability, combined with the potential for saving key creatures or reusing enter-the-battlefield effects, affords players a wide array of tactical decisions in the game.

Aether Adept - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Aether Adept - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deputy of Acquittals by color, type and mana cost

Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Galina's Knight - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Azorius Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Unsettled Mariner - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions
Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Galina's Knight - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Azorius Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Unsettled Mariner - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The versatility of Deputy of Acquittals allows players to recycle creatures with enter the battlefield effects, thereby maximizing value and maintaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Its ability to return a creature to your hand can save a key piece from removal or reset mana dorks for additional resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The flash ability of Deputy of Acquittals adds a layer of surprise, enabling you to disrupt your opponent’s strategy at instant speed while leaving mana open for other actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Deputy of Acquittals offers a flexible instant-speed option to save a creature, it requires you to have another creature to return to your hand. This can be a drawback when you’re lacking creatures on the field or in situations where each creature is pivotal to maintaining your board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both white and blue mana for its casting cost, which can sometimes be restrictive. Players running multicolor decks may find the mana requirement challenging, especially in the early game where mana sources are limited.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although two mana for a 2/2 isn’t outside the norm, the additional utility of returning another creature to your hand isn’t always an upside. There are times when you’ll find other cards at the same mana cost that can provide a stronger immediate impact on the game without the condition of having another creature to return.


Reasons to Include Deputy of Acquittals in Your Collection

Versatility: Deputy of Acquittals can be a functional addition to a wide variety of decks, including those that focus on utilizing creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects or need a reliable defensive option. Its ability to return another creature to your hand adds a layer of protection and strategy, enabling the re-use of valuable creature abilities.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations, particularly with creatures that have powerful enter-the-battlefield triggers. By bouncing these creatures back to your hand, you can repeatedly utilize their abilities, thereby maximizing your on-board advantage. It’s also worth noting that this instant-speed ability can be used tactically during combat or in response to removal spells.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames populated with control or tempo strategies, Deputy of Acquittals can be significantly useful. It provides a way to save key creatures from removal and can be used to exploit timing and board state, making it a resourceful pick in the current MTG competitive landscape.


How to beat

Deputy of Acquittals offers a unique fusion of creature abilities and tactical advantages in Magic: The Gathering. This card stands out for its ability to rescue other creatures from perilous situations, akin to cards like Restoration Angel, though without the same power level. When Deputy of Acquittals enters the battlefield, it can return another target creature you control to your hand. However, unlike the Restoration Angel, it doesn’t have flash, and its 2/2 body can’t compete with larger threats directly.

Strategically, you’ll want to rely on removals that exile or take control of creatures instead of destroying them outright. Cards like Path to Exile or Control Magic go around Deputy’s ability effectively. Additionally, cards with flash or instant spells that disrupt your opponent’s timing play a key part in overcoming Deputy of Acquittals by outmaneuvering its potential combo plays or countering it upon cast.

Ultimately, Deputy of Acquittals can be a pesky card to play against due to its versatility. Still, with a tailored approach that emphasizes timing disruption and non-destructive removals, you can mitigate the advantages it offers to your opponents and maintain control of the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

The intricate strategies of MTG often hinge on the synergies between cards, and Deputy of Acquittals is a perfect piece for decks that exploit such interactions. Its value in recurring enter-the-battlefield effects and saving creatures from removal can’t be understated. Understanding how this card interacts with others is crucial for advancing your gameplay and crafting a more robust deck. With its ability to thwart your opponent’s plans at flash speed, adding this card to your collection could be the edge you need. Dive deeper into strategies and card analyses with us and sharpen your skills to outplay your adversaries. Enhance your MTG acumen today and learn how Deputy of Acquittals can become a cornerstone in your deck’s arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deputy of Acquittals MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Deputy of Acquittals and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deputy of Acquittals Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-05-03 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by James Ryman.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-05-03Dragon's MazeDGM 652003NormalBlackJames Ryman
22017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1592015NormalBlackJames Ryman
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1772015NormalBlackJames Ryman

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deputy of Acquittals has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.