Deathlace MTG Card


Deathlace offers strategic protection for permanents by converting them into a black color on demand. Its instant speed allows for responsive play, effectively countering color-targeted removals and interactions. Despite its mana cost, Deathlace unlocks color-based synergies and disrupts opponents’ strategies.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Changes the color of one card either being played or already in play to black. Cost to cast, tap, maintain, or use a special ability of target card remains entirely unchanged.


Cards like Deathlace

Deathlace from Magic: The Gathering offers players the unique ability to change the color of any card to black—a distinctive trait in the realm of color manipulation. This card echoes the effects of cards such as Purelace, which provides a similar mono-color conversion ability, targeting white instead. However, Deathlace emerges as the darker twist to this color-changing arsenal.

Within this niche, we also spotlight Spectral Shift. While this card allows for a broader spectrum of color changes, it is constrained to two colors at once. In this way, Deathlace’s straightforward, single-color focus gives players a more predictable and controlled outcome. Another relevant comparison could be drawn with Glamerdye, an Instant card that not only changes the color of a permanent but can also change the text of a particular color word on that card. Despite Glamerdye’s versatility, its two mana cost makes it slightly less mana-efficient than the singly hued Deathlace.

Considering the seldom-used aspect of color alteration in gameplay, Deathlace does provide a niche but potentially strategic option for players who wish to outmaneuver color-specific hindrances or enhance their own black-centric tactics on the battlefield.

Purelace - MTG Card versions
Spectral Shift - MTG Card versions
Glamerdye - MTG Card versions
Purelace - MTG Card versions
Spectral Shift - MTG Card versions
Glamerdye - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deathlace by color, type and mana cost

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Disembowel - MTG Card versions
Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Vendetta - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Duh - MTG Card versions
Aesthetic Consultation - MTG Card versions
Stop That - MTG Card versions
Disembowel - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Deathlace doesn’t directly result in card advantage, it can be used strategically to protect your key permanents by making them black, which can be advantageous against decks that may have difficulty handling black creatures or other permanents.

Resource Acceleration: Deathlace itself doesn’t provide resource acceleration, but changing a card’s color can potentially unlock synergy with other cards that reward you for controlling black permanents, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: Deathlace can be cast at instant speed, providing flexibility and allowing you to respond to opponents’ actions. For instance, casting it in response to a color-specific removal spell can save your permanent, turning a potentially negative situation into a favorable one.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Deathlace doesn’t ask players to discard, it does have a requirement that can be a setback. Like many cards with specific effects, finding the right moment to play Deathlace can be challenging, making it sit unused in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Deathlace demands black mana, which means it might not seamlessly fit into all deck types. Players running multicolor decks might find the black mana requirement a bit restrictive when they are aiming for a tight mana curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deathlace’s mana cost is on the higher side when considering it solely changes the color of a spell or permanent. Given its narrow application, the cost can be deemed inefficient, especially when there are other cards that can influence the board state more significantly for the same, if not lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include Deathlace in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathlace is a unique card that can turn any permanent black, an ability that can be utilized in decks focusing on color matters strategies. It’s a tool that offers creative ways to interact with cards that are influenced by color-specific conditions.

Combo Potential: This card can be combined with effects that penalize or destroy black cards, or it can be used defensively to protect your permanents in decks that capitalize on black being a safe color on your board.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where color identity is vital—such as Commander—Deathlace can serve as a tactical element to disrupt opponent strategies or enhance your own color-based synergies, making it a worthwhile consideration for your arsenal.


How to beat

Deathlace, a classic card from the world of MTG, can alter the landscape of the game by turning any permanent into a black one. To effectively navigate around this spell, one must be diligent about the board state. Knowing when to play your cards and anticipating your opponent’s actions are key strategies. In decks that heavily feature multicolored permanents, one way to counter Deathlace is to employ protection spells or abilities that shield your cards from being targeted by black spells.

Maintaining a diverse mana base can also thwart Deathlace’s potential impact by making it less disruptive to your strategy. Artifacts and enchantments that neutralize color changes or provide colorless protection can be a firm defense against the change that Deathlace brings. Moreover, leveraging instants that can counteract target-changing spells before they resolve ensures that critical components of your strategy remain unaffected. Last but not least, playing cards that capitalize on being black – such as those that thrive on color-based synergies – can turn the tables on an adversary using Deathlace, making it a double-edged sword in competitive MTG gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathlace 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 Deathlace and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deathlace Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Sandra Everingham.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1011993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1021993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1021993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1021993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1021993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1021993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1021993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1021993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1311993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1311993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
112022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3961997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
122022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 992015NormalBlackSandra Everingham

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deathlace has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal