Deathgrip MTG Card


Deathgrip grants control over green creatures, swinging the card advantage in your favor. Flexibility is key; a non-green, diverse deck palette diminishes Deathgrip’s impact. Strategic spell sequencing and targeted removal can effectively neutralize Deathgrip.
Card setsReleased in 14 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

o Boo B Destroy a green spell as it is being cast. This action may be played as an interrupt, and does not affect green cards already in play.


Cards like Deathgrip

Deathgrip stands out within the realm of control magic as a unique card. It’s part of a card lineage that gives players the power to counter spells, reminiscent of the classic Counterspell. However, unlike Counterspell’s broad range, Deathgrip has a narrower focus, offering the ability to counter only green spells. This specialization makes it a potentially more situational, yet potent tool against decks heavy in green magic.

Looking to other cards, we come across Gloom, which, like Deathgrip, is tailored to thwart a specific color—this time, white. Gloom makes white spells cost more to cast, indirectly controlling an opponent’s ability to play the game with efficiency. Similarly, there’s Lifeforce, which is the opposite number to Deathgrip, providing green mages with the means to counter black magic exclusively.

Ultimately, while cards like Gloom and Lifeforce offer their brand of color-specific interference, Deathgrip holds a valuable niche within control strategies, especially within formats where green spells dominate. Its targeted denial capabilities can asymmetrically disrupt an opponent’s plan, securing its place as a card to consider in a strategic MTG deck build against green-centric opponents.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Lifeforce - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Lifeforce - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deathgrip by color, type and mana cost

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Yawgmoth's Edict - MTG Card versions
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Tribute to Horobi // Echo of Death's Wail - MTG Card versions
Brain Maggot - MTG Card versions
Bad Moon - MTG Card versions
Fear - MTG Card versions
Warp Artifact - MTG Card versions
Animate Dead - MTG Card versions
Blight - MTG Card versions
Seizures - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Sigil - MTG Card versions
Lim-Dûl's Hex - MTG Card versions
Dance of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Dark Privilege - MTG Card versions
Enfeeblement - MTG Card versions
Oath of Ghouls - MTG Card versions
Despondency - MTG Card versions
Yawgmoth's Edict - MTG Card versions
Dying Wail - MTG Card versions
Insubordination - MTG Card versions
Mourning - MTG Card versions
Chains of Mephistopheles - MTG Card versions
Tribute to Horobi // Echo of Death's Wail - MTG Card versions
Brain Maggot - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The ability of Deathgrip to consistently neutralize an opponent’s green creatures can lead to an incremental card advantage over time. By denying opponents the resolution of their key creatures, you effectively reduce their available resources while maintaining your own board position.

Resource Acceleration: Although Deathgrip doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana or tokens, it acts as a deterrent, allowing you to accelerate your game plan with fewer interruptions. The psychological impact of having a removal option always available can’t be overstated, as it often forces opponents to play around it, slowing down their own development.

Instant Speed: Deathgrip highlights the power of having control at instant speed. The threat of instant disruption it poses can shift your opponent’s strategies substantially; they must consider the potential of their green spells being nullified at any moment, providing you with a tangible edge during the course of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Deathgrip card does not have a discard requirement, players must remain aware of the detriment to hand advantage when repeatedly using its abilities. Each activation costs you a card, effectively reducing the options available in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Deathgrip demands black mana for both casting and activating its ability. This requirement can be prohibitive for multi-colored or non-black decks, potentially limiting its flexibility across a broader range of decks and strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the casting cost set at two black mana, Deathgrip’s initial cost is manageable. However, the ongoing mana requirement to utilize its effect can add up, making it a resource-heavy investment compared to other control options available in the game. Players must carefully consider if the ability to counter green spells is worth the potential strain on their mana economy throughout the match.


Reasons to Include Deathgrip Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathgrip’s utility spans a variety of deck builds, particularly excelling in formats where green creatures and spells dominate. Its ability to thwart green spells makes it a valuable tool in a mage’s arsenal, adaptable to changing game conditions.

Combo Potential: As a repeatable source of disruption, Deathgrip adds depth to control strategies, offering a way to consistently hinder an opponent’s game plan. This can be paired with other cards that benefit from spell denial or the graveyard stocking that results from countered spells.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta flush with potent green strategies, leveraging the power of Deathgrip can be game-changing. The card’s influence can shift the balance of power, acting as a safeguard against some of the most formidable green threats in the game.


How to beat

Overcoming Deathgrip in Magic: The Gathering requires precise strategy, as its ability to counter green spells is a significant advantage in the game. To mitigate its impact, diversifying your deck’s color palette becomes essential. Incorporating non-green spells provides you with the versatility to circumvent Deathgrip’s constraint. Deploying colorless artifacts or placing reliance on creatures and spells from outside the green spectrum diminishes Deathgrip’s potency.

Another efficient approach is to utilize spells that can specifically target Deathgrip, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can destroy the enchantment outright. Additionally, leveraging cards with abilities that negate the effects of enchantments or provide your spells with protection from black preserves your ability to play your green spells without fear of being countered. Conserving mana to play around Deathgrip’s activation cost, or baiting it with less crucial spells before deploying your key cards, can also shift the balance in your favor.

Ultimately, defeating Deathgrip in MTG hinges on a well-rounded deck, an awareness of its potential presence in an opponent’s gameplay, and a tactical approach to sequencing your spells. Adaptation and smart play are the cornerstones of victory against this formidable card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathgrip MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Deathgrip and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deathgrip Magic the Gathering card was released in 13 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1001993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1011993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1011993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1011993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1011993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1011993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1011993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1011993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1301993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1301993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
111997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 1541997NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
122011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 751997NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
132022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3951997NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
142022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 982015NormalBlackAnson Maddocks

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deathgrip has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal