Double Deal MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Released	1998-08-11
Set symbol
Set name	Unglued
Set code	UGL
Number	42
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Edward P. Beard, Jr.
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Gains card advantage and flexibility, crucial for turning the tide in tight situations.
Can be restrictive with a specific mana cost and a discard requirement as a downside.
Offers strategic versatility, combo enhancement, and adapts well to various metas.

Text of card

Choose another player. Double Deal deals 3 damage to that player now and deals an additional 3 damage to the player at the beginning of the next game with the player.

"I'm facing defeat, . . ."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Double Deal shines when it comes to bolstering your hand with additional options. Drawing two cards can be a turning point, offering you the resources to outmaneuver opponents.

Resource Acceleration: The ability to generate Treasure tokens through Double Deal is a significant boon for ramping up your mana resources quickly. This acceleration can be pivotal for casting high-cost spells ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Double Deal at instant speed cannot be overstated. This allows savvy players to adapt on the fly and react with precision to the unfolding game, all while keeping up the pressure and maintaining strategic depth.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the key drawbacks of playing Double Deal is its discard prerequisite. To cast this spell, a player must also relinquish another card from their hand. This condition is particularly punitive when a player is already managing a depleted hand, further constraining their resources and strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Double Deal’s strict mana requirement, utilizing both blue and black mana, can restrict its inclusion in decks. Decks that do not run on both blue and black may find it challenging to accommodate such a card, potentially disrupting the mana base and diminishing consistency in gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost associated with casting Double Deal may be seen as steep, particularly when other cards with similar or lower costs can produce efficient effects. With a casting cost involving four mana, players might opt for alternatives that provide more immediate impact or less strain on their mana resources during critical stages of the game.

Reasons to Include Double Deal in Your Collection

Versatility: Double Deal brings flexibility to various playing styles, making it a worthy addition to decks that capitalize on spell casting or drawing cards. Its impact is not limited to a single strategy, fitting seamlessly into control, combo or midrange decks.

Combo Potential: Double Deal serves as a quintessential piece in combos, particularly for decks that thrive on casting multiple spells in a single turn. Its potential to double the effects of spells can quickly turn the tides of a game.

Meta-Relevance: With an evolving MTG environment that often prioritizes strategic plays and resource accumulation, Double Deal becomes an essential tool. It can adapt to different metas, proving its worth by aligning with decks designed to overcome a variety of popular formats.

How to Beat

Double Deal shines as an intriguing option among spells that manipulate both hand and battlefield in MTG. Its allure lies in the duality of granting cards while punishing the opponent through discard. This dynamic becomes a pivotal factor when strategizing how to outmaneuver it. To undermine Double Deal’s impact, a player can adopt several tactics. Using spells that provide hexproof to your hand, like Witchbane Orb or Orbs of Warding, shields you from the forced discard. Furthermore, countering Double Deal outright with instant-speed spells like Negate or Dispel ensures it never resolves, maintaining your hand’s integrity.

Embracing graveyard strategies also negates Double Deal’s drawback. Cards like Flashback from Snapcaster Mage or Escape featured in Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath can turn your discarded cards into valuable assets, making the exchange beneficial despite the initial cost. Lastly, proactive discard effects such as Thoughtseize or Duress can remove Double Deal from your opponent’s hand before they have the chance to cast it, leaving their strategy dampened and their resources strained.

Implementing these countermeasures not only stifles the power of Double Deal but can also turn the tide, exploiting its double-edged sword nature to your advantage in the enthralling world of MTG.

Cards like Double Deal

Double Deal stands as an intriguing offering among red sorcery spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to the likes of Dragon Fodder or Hordeling Outburst, which are both known for producing multiple creature tokens. Double Deal differentiates itself by granting a choice — providing either a pair of Treasure tokens or dealing a swift 3 damage to any target. This versatility offers a strategic edge to players seeking flexibility.

In comparison, the well-known spell, Krenko’s Command, is similar to Double Deal in the aspect of creating two creature tokens for less mana. While these tokens can be crucial for establishing board presence, Krenko’s Command lacks the direct damage option that Double Deal brings to the table. Another parallel could be drawn with Sizzle, which also inflicts 3 damage to each opponent. However, Sizzle is limited to damaging players only and does not create any board advantage through tokens.

To conclude, Double Deal’s dual utility makes it a compelling choice for players in MTG. Its potential to adapt to various game situations by either bolstering your offense with tokens or executing precise damage distinguishes it from other single-purpose spells.

Cards similar to Double Deal by color, type and mana cost

Explosive Revelation - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

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