Do or Die MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2000-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Invasion |
| Set code | INV |
| Number | 102 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Christopher Moeller |
Text of card
Separate all creatures target player controls into two face-up piles. Destroy all creatures in the pile of that player's choice. They can't be regenerated.
Cards like Do or Die
Do or Die is an intriguing tactical spell that allows Magic: The Gathering players to control the battlefield in a unique way. It bears resemblance to other cards that force decisions, such as Innocent Blood, which requires all players to sacrifice a creature. Do or Die stands out, though, by giving the caster the advantage of choosing which creatures an opponent has to decide between, essentially splitting their army and weakening their position.
The card also echoes the dividing decision of Factor Fiction, another spell that forces opponents to split cards into piles, giving Do or Die a psychological edge as well. However, unlike Factor Fiction which deals with drawing cards, Do or Die interacts directly with the creatures on the board, allowing for preemptive control of the combat phase. Its closest cousin might be Trial // Error, but even then, Do or Die’s targeted approach affords a more strategic positioning against your opponent’s creatures than the broader effect of Trial // Error.
Ultimately, Do or Die introduces a distinctive blend of control and choice, making it a valuable asset for players aiming to disrupt their opponent’s tactical formations and navigate complex board states in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Do or Die by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Do or Die allows for strategic deck thinning by presenting a situation where an opponent must divide their creatures into two piles, granting you the option to either destroy all creatures in one pile or let your opponent keep the other. This pivotal choice can disrupt your opponent’s board presence while setting the stage for future plays, ultimately tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Do or Die doesn’t directly provide mana acceleration, it offers a tactical advantage. By potentially removing key creatures from the opponent’s board, it indirectly accelerates your game plan. You’re often placed in a favorable position to further develop your board without the immediate threat of your opponent’s creatures.
Instant Speed: The power of Do or Die comes from its ability to be cast at the end of your opponent’s turn. This attribute allows you to retain open mana throughout your opponent’s turn for other spells or abilities and play Do or Die when it is most strategically advantageous, keeping your opponent always on the alert.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the notable drawbacks of Do or Die is the necessity for the controller to discard a card. This can be particularly punishing when you’re already facing a scarce hand and need to make every card count. Offloading a valuable card from your hand can surely set you back, especially in tightly contested games where resource management is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Do or Die comes with a black mana cost which makes it somewhat restrictive. Decks not running black mana or splashing just a hint of it may find it challenging to incorporate this card effectively. The specificity of its mana cost can make it a less flexible option for multi-colored decks that don’t heavily favor black mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card costs a total of two mana, one of which is black. While this isn’t exorbitant, early in the game, there are other spells and abilities that allow for a more efficient use of mana. These alternatives could potentially disrupt opponent plays or establish your game presence without the steep cost of losing a card from your hand.
Reasons to Include Do or Die in Your Collection
Versatility: Do or Die is a flexible card that can be incorporated into various deck strategies. Its ability to disrupt your opponent’s field by forcing choices can be valuable in both aggressive and control-focused builds.
Combo Potential: This card is a great enabler for strategies revolving around creature removal and graveyard manipulation. When paired with cards that benefit from creatures dying or entering the graveyard, its potential is significantly amplified.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based decks are prevalent, Do or Die can be a game-changer. It allows you to manage potential threats efficiently and can swing the tide of a game in your favor when used at opportune moments.
How to Beat
Do or Die is a unique black card that presents a divide and conquer strategy, effectively forcing your opponent to make difficult decisions about their creatures. If you’re facing this card on the battlefield, the key is to carefully consider the creature groupings your opponent has created. Prioritize the creatures that benefit your current strategy or that you can use to rebuild your board presence quickly afterward.
One way to mitigate the impact of Do or Die is by maintaining card advantage and not overcommitting your creatures to the battlefield. This reduces the effectiveness of Do or Die, ensuring that even if you lose a portion of your creatures, you’ll still have reserves to continue playing aggressively. Additionally, having an instant-speed removal or graveyard recursion can quickly nullify the setback caused by Do or Die, allowing you to maintain or regain control of the game. Always remember, keeping a watchful eye on your opponent’s mana and potential plays can prepare you for such disruptive spells, plotting your counter-strategy accordingly.
To sum up, beating Do or Die requires foresight, controlled deployment of resources, and the readiness to recover losses. Manage your creature count wisely, and use your hand and graveyard as leverage to overcome the challenge this card introduces.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Do or Die MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Do or Die 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Do or Die has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |