Master of Diversion MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Scout |
| Released | 2013-07-19 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2014 |
| Set code | M14 |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 24 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Michael Komarck |
Text of card
Whenever Master of Diversion attacks, tap target creature defending player controls.
Choose your battles carefully. For example, avoid the big guy.
Cards like Master of Diversion
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Master of Diversion stands out with a unique tactical advantage. When drawing parallels to other cards, Gideon’s Lawkeeper is a noteworthy mention. Like Master of Diversion, it has the ability to tap an opponent’s creature. While this may not impact multiple targets, the Lawkeeper’s ability can be activated at instant speed, offering a defensive edge during the enemy’s turn.
Avacynian Missionaries presents another interesting comparison. Upon transforming, it can exile an opponent’s artifact or creature, a form of disruption that’s more enduring than just tapping. However, the Missionaries require a setup with an Equipment to unlock this potential, making Master of Diversion’s ready-to-use ability more reliable in a pinch.
Eldrazi Obligator is a creature that also manipulates the combat phase but in its unique way. Instead of tapping an opponent’s creature, it can take control of one during attacks—a twist that can turn the tide of battle but also requires specific color mana and the payment of an additional cost to leverage.
Ultimately, Master of Diversion’s straightforward approach to manipulating combat through its tap ability makes it a solid choice for controlling the battleground and creating favorable attack scenarios.
Cards similar to Master of Diversion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Master of Diversion, each attack phase becomes an opportunity to tap a potential blocker, thereby increasing your overall field presence and momentum. This can lead to card advantage by forcing your opponent to use more resources to handle your unimpeded threats.
Resource Acceleration: Although Master of Diversion itself doesn’t directly impact your mana pool, it enables resource acceleration by allowing your faster, more aggressive creatures to continue attacking. This sustained pressure can disrupt your opponent’s mana development, indirectly accelerating your resource advantage.
Instant Speed: While Master of Diversion operates at sorcery speed during the attack phase, its ability to tactically tap opponents’ creatures allows you to act with the precision of instant-speed actions. This proactive control over combat translates into instant-speed-like advantages, dictating the pace and outcome of battles on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The effectiveness of Master of Diversion can be hampered if your strategy necessitates maintaining a full hand, as it does not provide card advantage itself.
Specific Mana Cost: Master of Diversion demands a precise mana setup with its white mana cost, potentially restricting its inclusion only to white or specific multicolor decks that can accommodate the color requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a three mana 2/2 creature may offer utility, there could be alternate creatures or spells with a lower mana investment that provide a similar or greater impact on the game’s state.
Reasons to Include Master of Diversion in Your Collection
Versatility: Master of Diversion stands out due to its ability to adapt to various gameplay situations. It seamlessly fits into white-based aggressive decks, thanks to its knack for manipulating combat phases and clearing the way for impactful attacks.
Combo Potential: With its tap ability, this card synergizes well with strategies aiming to capitalize on tapped creatures, whether that’s enabling convoke mechanics, triggering inspired effects, or simply keeping potential blockers out of the way.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where combat-centric strategies reign, Master of Diversion proves its worth. Its ability to dictate combat dynamics can turn the tide against creature-heavy opponents, making it a smart addition for players looking to gain an edge in creature-based matchups.
How to beat
Master of Diversion proves to be a unique challenge on the battlefield in MTG. This creature comes into play with the ability to tap an opponent’s creature each time it attacks, potentially preventing your best defenders from blocking incoming threats. Overcoming this strategic disadvantage requires clever play.
One effective strategy is to control the board with removal spells, easily thwarting the diversion before it becomes a problem. Simple targeted spells like Shock or Fatal Push work well for a low investment. Sweepers, wide-range board clears like Wrath of God, are also highly effective and can reset the board if the diversions become too much to handle.
In essence, maintaining a good balance of control and removal in your deck can nullify the disrupting presence of the Master of Diversion. Acting promptly and decisively will ensure this card doesn’t dictate the flow of your games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Master of Diversion MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014, 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 Master of Diversion and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Master of Diversion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Master of Diversion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-07-01 | In multiplayer formats, including Commander, only a creature controlled by the defending player Master of Diversion is attacking can be chosen as the target, even if your other attacking creatures are attacking different players. |
| 2013-07-01 | The ability will resolve and the creature will become tapped before blocking creatures are declared. |