Deal Damage MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Number	74
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Scott M. Fischer
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Indirect card advantage through removal of opponents’ creatures or planeswalkers enhances strategic play.
Resource acceleration and instant speed flexibility can be game-changing when wielded effectively.
Strategic inclusion in decks due to versatility, combo potential and meta relevance is recommended.

Text of card

Deal Damage deals 4 damage to target creature or player. Gotcha Whenever an opponent says "Deal" or "Damage," you may say "Gotcha" If you do, return Deal Damage from your graveyard to your hand.

Until he got singed . . .

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While deal damage cards typically don’t allow for direct card draw, they can create indirect card advantage by removing your opponents creatures or planeswalkers from the board, often leaving you with more cards in play than your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Some damage-dealing cards also facilitate resource acceleration by unlocking mana resources. For example, cards that destroy land or convert damage dealt into a form of mana or additional resources can be pivotal for gaining the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The ability to deal damage at instant speed offers massive tactical flexibility. You can disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn or at the end of their turn, optimizing the efficiency of your mana and maintaining the element of surprise.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some cards designed to deal damage in MTG call for you to discard another card, which might strip you of critical hand advantage and deplete your resources, making the game tougher especially when your hand is already running low.

Specific Mana Cost: Damage-dealing cards often require a precise combination of mana, typically red, which could restrict their inclusion in multicolored decks that may not consistently generate the required mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Certain damage-dealing cards come with a hefty mana cost, reducing your ability to cast multiple spells in a turn or demanding you wait longer to gather sufficient mana, possibly giving opponents an opportunity to gain the upper hand.

Reasons to Include Deal Damage Cards in Your Collection

Versatility: Deal damage cards offer flexibility by serving multiple purposes in a game. They can target creatures, players, or planeswalkers, allowing you to adapt to various board states and opponents.

Combo Potential: These cards often play a critical role in setting up game-winning combos. They can be paired with cards that have synergy with damage dealt, such as those triggering off life loss or spell casting.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that frequently includes creature-heavy decks, having deal damage cards in your collection could prove to be a crucial tactical advantage, allowing you to control the pace of the game and remove key threats.

How to Beat

A MTG card that focuses on dealing damage can be a real game-changer at the table. These cards, similar to the iconic Lightning Bolt, enable players to target creatures or opponents directly, often altering the game’s momentum. To counteract such strategies, it’s essential to have a plan in place. Cards that grant life gain, such as lifelink creatures or instant spells like Healing Salve, can mitigate the damage dealt and prolong your presence in the game.

Shielding your assets is another effective approach. Utilize cards that provide hexproof or shroud to keep your valuable creatures safe from targeted damage spells. Counterspells are also an invaluable resource in any player’s arsenal. Holding up mana to counter a crucial damage-dealing spell can thwart an opponent’s game plan, giving you the upper hand.

In summary, while MTG cards that deal damage can be daunting, remember that for every action there is a reaction in the expansive universe of Magic: The Gathering. It’s all about having the right mix of defense and counters to ensure your survival against these aggressive tactics, and emerge victorious from the fray.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deal Damage MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged, 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 Deal Damage and other MTG cards: