False Defeat MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 4
2009-09-07 - Number 11
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Take any one creature card from your graveyard and put that creature into play.
"All warfare is based on deception." —Sun Tzu, *Art of War* (trans. Giles)
Cards like False Defeat
False Defeat in Magic: The Gathering offers players an intriguing way to reclaim creatures from the graveyard. Its closest relatives in the card pool include cards like Unearth, which also grants a second chance to creatures. Unlike False Defeat, Unearth allows for a quick return to the battlefield, but for one turn only.
Additionally, we see comparisons with Rise from the Grave. This card also resurrects creatures, but unlike the temporary nature of Unearth, the reanimation is permanent—much like False Defeat. The edge that Rise from the Grave has is its ability to target any graveyard, turning it into a versatile tool in multiplayer matches. Nonetheless, it comes with a higher mana cost.
Considering the resurrection tactics of False Defeat, its appeal lies in the permanence and the specific revival of your own creatures for continued utility. This, paired with an efficient mana cost, makes it a reliable choice for any reanimator strategy seeking long-term benefits over temporary boons or single-turn comebacks.
Cards similar to False Defeat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: False Defeat can bring a creature back from your graveyard to the battlefield, effectively countering the loss of that card and maintaining your board presence. This can be crucial in long games where card resources are being continuously traded.
Resource Acceleration: By returning a high-cost creature to the battlefield, False Defeat can result in a significant swing in terms of available resources. This bypasses the need to pay the creature’s mana cost again, accelerating your gameplay and putting you ahead of your opponent.
Instant Speed: The ability to play False Defeat at instant speed offers flexibility and can catch an opponent off guard. It can be strategically used during the declare blockers step, for example, to surprise an opponent with an unexpected blocker, or after a board wipe to quickly repopulate your side.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Demands the player to discard a card in order to trigger its ability. This is often seen as a drawback when your hand is already depleted, placing you at a further disadvantage during crucial moments of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: False Defeat requires a precise combination of mana to cast, including white mana. This could present challenges in multicolor decks or in moments when your mana base is compromised or not fully developed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a notable sum needed to cast this card, players might find the cost burdensome compared to other cards with similar effects. This high investment could potentially slow down your game tempo or limit your ability to respond to your opponent’s threats.
Reasons to Include False Defeat in Your Collection
Versatility: False Defeat is a unique card that provides an edge in many deck archetypes. It’s especially useful in strategies focusing on creature recovery, allowing players to turn the tide when they seem most vulnerable.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key piece in combos, interacting with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or dying. Such synergies can create powerful loops and generate significant advantages over the course of a game.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where board wipes and removal spells are prevalent, holding a False Defeat can discreetly fortify your position. Being able to recover key creatures can often mean the difference between losing momentum and making a triumphant comeback.
How to Beat False Defeat
False Defeat is a resilient combat trick that has been known to catch players off guard in Magic: The Gathering. One might initially think that its ability to resurrect a creature from the graveyard back to the battlefield after a trade could turn the tide of a game. However, there are effective tactics to counter this play.
To outmaneuver an opponent relying on False Defeat, consider incorporating graveyard hate cards in your deck. These cards can exile targets from the graveyard, rendering False Defeat powerless. Another strategy is to employ instant-speed removal spells that can be cast in response to False Defeat, thereby removing the intended target before it can make a comeback. Cards like Scavenging Ooze or Relic of Progenitus are smart additions as they continuously manage the graveyard through the course of the match. Playing around False Defeat involves a mix of strategic planning and the inclusion of cards specifically tailored to disrupt your opponent’s strategies. By assuming control of the graveyard, you ensure that False Defeat becomes just another card that fails to deliver on its promise of a turnaround.
Overall, while False Defeat may look daunting, a well-prepared player can neutralize its impact, maintaining the advantage and driving towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase False Defeat MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 False Defeat 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 False Defeat Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Li Wang.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 4 | 1997 | Normal | White | Li Wang | |
| 2 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 11 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Li Wang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where False Defeat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |