Deface MTG Card


Deface - Ravnica Allegiance
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Released2019-01-25
Set symbol
Set nameRavnica Allegiance
Set codeRNA
Number98
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred bySidharth Chaturvedi

Key Takeaways

  1. Deface offers tactical flexibility by targeting artifacts and lands, disrupting enemy plans at instant speed.
  2. While specific in application, it may face limitations due to mana specificity and discard costs.
  3. Its niche effectiveness makes it a strategic choice for decks countering land or artifact reliance.

Text of card

Choose one — • Destroy target artifact. • Destroy target creature with defender.

"Leave no stone unturned." —Ruric Thar


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deface, an intriguing spell in the MTG world, provides a strategic option to eliminate an opponent’s utility lands or pesky artifacts, potentially disrupting their game plan and giving you the upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: By efficiently handling key noncreature permanents on the battlefield, Deface enables players to gain tempo and possibly lead the acceleration race against opponents, paving the way for a speedier deployment of your threats.

Instant Speed: The true flexibility of Deface is revealed at instant speed, allowing players to adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. The ability to target problem assets on the fly, while keeping mana available for other plays, makes Deface a versatile inclusion in decks looking to outpace and outmaneuver their competition.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One aspect of Deface that could be seen as a drawback is its discard requirement. The need to toss another card from your hand can set you back, particularly in game scenarios where card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Deface comes with a color-specific mana cost which aligns it with red mana decks. This cost can restrict the card to red-heavy or mono-red builds, potentially sidelining it in a more diverse mana-base setup.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s casting cost could be considered steep for its impact on the game. Some players find that other options in the same mana range can have a broader or more powerful effect on the battlefield, making Deface a less enticing choice when building an efficient deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Deface shines in decks that are prepared to dismantle their opponent’s strategy. It can disrupt numerous plans by targeting artifacts or lands, crucial components in many deck constructs.

Combo Potential: This card has the capability to complement strategies keen on removal or land destruction. It fits seamlessly with cards that capitalize on an opponent’s setbacks, pressing an advantage when they’re most vulnerable.

Meta-Relevance: In a field where key lands or artifacts are central to an opponent’s win condition, Deface offers a low-cost solution to hinder these strategies. Should land-based ramp or artifact synergies dominate, including Deface in your toolkit keeps you competitive.


How to beat

Deface is an intriguing card in Magic: The Gathering, primarily known for its niche application and ability to dismantle key components of an opponent’s strategy. As a low-cost spell, Deface targets artifacts or lands, making it quite versatile within various match-ups. To counteract Deface, it’s advisable to limit the number of pivotal artifacts and enchantments that could be susceptible to its effect. Additionally, diversifying the threats within your deck can mitigate the impact of this disruptive card. Focus on having a variety of win conditions that don’t overly rely on either artifacts or lands.

It’s also wise to incorporate spells that can protect your valuable permanents. Countermagic and instant-speed spells that grant hexproof or indestructible are excellent choices to have on standby. Utilizing land regeneration techniques or playing lands that have secondary abilities upon being destroyed can also turn a potential setback into a strategic advantage. Thus, while Deface has the potential to disrupt, a well-prepared player with a diversified game plan can adeptly navigate around it. Fortifying your board and remaining versatile are keys to diminishing Deface’s influence on the game.


Cards like Deface

Deface presents itself as a targeted tool for removal in MTG, entering the stage alongside other destruction spells such as Demolish and Smelt. While Demolish offers the ability to destroy both artifacts and lands, Deface distinguishes itself with its specialized focus. It excels in destroying only artifacts or creature with defender at a significantly lower mana cost, making it a well-suited choice for early game strategies or mana-efficient plays.

Another counterpart to consider is Shatter, a classic option in the red spell toolkit that also allows for destroying artifacts but at an instant speed. Although Deface limits destruction to sorcery speed, it comes at a cheaper cost, ideal for a quick setup or for decks operating on a tight mana curve. Comparatively, Smash to Smithereens provides artifact removal with the added benefit of dealing damage to the opponent, positioning it as a more aggressive option than Deface.

Parsing through the various card options, Deface carves out its niche due to its low cost and specificity. It’s a tailored choice for players aiming to dismantle defensive strategies or high utility artifacts efficiently, making it a nuanced yet potent inclusion in certain MTG deck builds.

Demolish - MTG Card versions
Smelt - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Smash to Smithereens - MTG Card versions
Demolish - Odyssey (ODY)
Smelt - Magic 2013 (M13)
Shatter - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Smash to Smithereens - Shadowmoor (SHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deface MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Deface and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deface has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks