Deflection MTG Card


Deflection excels in disrupting plays by redirecting spells, potentially saving your resources or targeting opponents. Strategic use of instant speed Deflection can substantially alter the game’s dynamics in your favor. The card’s higher mana cost is a trade-off for its ability to pivot critical spells during crucial game moments.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target spell, which must have a single target, targets a new legal target of your choice.

Up and down, over and through, back around— the joke's on you.


Cards like Deflection

Deflection is an intriguing tool in the arsenal of disruptive tactics in Magic: The Gathering, bearing resemblance to other spell redirection effects. Similar to Misdirection, which also changes the target of spell or ability, Deflection shines with its straightforward approach and the classic feel of blue’s magic manipulation. Misdirection, however, offers the added flexibility of changing the spell’s target without any mana cost by discarding another blue card from your hand.

Narrowing the comparison, we find Redirect, another spell that alters the trajectory of an opponent’s spell. Redirect, much like Deflection, costs two blue mana but requires only two rather than four total mana. It has the advantage of being more mana-efficient and hence more easily slotted into a player’s strategy timing. Then we have Swerve, with its color twist — it costs one red and one blue mana. This broader color requirement can make it a fit for multi-colored decks but could also restrict its use compared to the mono-blue nature of Deflection.

To wrap it up, despite the competition, Deflection stands its ground amidst its counterparts by offering a simple and direct approach to spell redirection in Magic: The Gathering, providing blue deck players with a classic control option.

Misdirection - MTG Card versions
Redirect - MTG Card versions
Swerve - MTG Card versions
Misdirection - MTG Card versions
Redirect - MTG Card versions
Swerve - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deflection by color, type and mana cost

Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Inspiration - MTG Card versions
Turnabout - MTG Card versions
Quash - MTG Card versions
Foil - MTG Card versions
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Plagiarize - MTG Card versions
Fact or Fiction - MTG Card versions
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Urza's Command - MTG Card versions
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Gifts Ungiven - MTG Card versions
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Part the Veil - MTG Card versions
Surging Aether - MTG Card versions
Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions
Gifts Given - MTG Card versions
Discombobulate - MTG Card versions
Permafrost Trap - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Inspiration - MTG Card versions
Turnabout - MTG Card versions
Quash - MTG Card versions
Foil - MTG Card versions
Thwart - MTG Card versions
Repel - MTG Card versions
Plagiarize - MTG Card versions
Fact or Fiction - MTG Card versions
Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Urza's Command - MTG Card versions
Wheel and Deal - MTG Card versions
Gifts Ungiven - MTG Card versions
Fold into Aether - MTG Card versions
Part the Veil - MTG Card versions
Surging Aether - MTG Card versions
Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions
Gifts Given - MTG Card versions
Discombobulate - MTG Card versions
Permafrost Trap - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deflection is a great tool for turning the tables when it comes to card interactions. It allows you to redirect a spell that one opponent has targeted at another player or their resources, effectively conserving your cards while disrupting the opponent’s strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly a resource accelerator, Deflection can save your critical resources by targeting spells that would otherwise remove your creatures or other permanents. This indirect preservation of resources can keep you ahead in the game.

Instant Speed: The power of Deflection shines at instant speed, offering the flexibility to adjust the course of the game during any phase of your opponent’s turn. This can catch opponents off guard, screw up their plans, and ultimately give you a substantial strategic edge.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deflection’s utility can be hampered when the requirement to have a card in hand to discard comes into play, especially in the late game when your hand may be depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a blue mana commitment, which may restrict its inclusion in multicolored decks where mana versatility is key for a smoother gameplay experience.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: A three-mana investment for a single instance of spell redirection is relatively steep, considering there are alternative, lower-cost cards that provide similar or greater functionality within the Magic the Gathering card pool.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Deflection stands out for its ability to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. This card enables you to redirect target spells with a single target, which can be a game changer whether you’re protecting your assets or turning an opponent’s spell against them.

Combo Potential: When it comes to synergy, Deflection shines by creating opportunities for combo plays. It can be a strategic asset in decks that aim to manipulate or benefit from the stack and spell targets, adding a layer of complexity to your plays.

Meta-Relevance: With a landscape that often sees powerful targeted spells, Deflection maintains its relevance. It’s a smart inclusion in a collection as it can tilt the balance of a game by capitalizing on strategic spell redirection, an ever-useful technique in shifting meta environments.


How to beat

Deflection is a unique and potentially game-changing card in Magic: The Gathering that can throw off an opponent’s strategy by redirecting a spell to a new target. Though it may seem daunting, there are ways to outmaneuver its effects. One strategy is to bait out the Deflection with a less crucial spell before casting your more important spells, thereby ensuring their desired effect reaches the intended target. Another effective tactic is to hold onto instant-speed removal or counterspells to handle Deflection directly, maintaining the upper hand in control.

It’s also advantageous to play cards that can’t be redirected, such as those with modal abilities that provide you with various options upon resolution. This flexibility often limits the impact of a Deflection play. Moreover, being aware of your opponent’s mana availability is critical since casting Deflection requires a significant mana investment. Timing your spells when your opponent is low on resources can minimize the risks of your spells being deflected. Utilizing these strategic plays, you can navigate around Deflection and claim victory on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deflection MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Pro Tour Collector Set, 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 Deflection and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deflection Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 651993NormalBlackMike Raabe
21996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml811993NormalGoldMike Raabe
31997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 811997NormalWhiteMike Raabe
41999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 631997NormalWhiteMike Raabe
52001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 691997NormalWhiteJeff Easley
62001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 69★1997NormalBlackJeff Easley
72003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 742003NormalWhiteJeremy Jarvis
82003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 74★2003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
92005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL E372003NormalWhiteJeremy Jarvis

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deflection has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deflection card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 If there is no other legal target for the spell, this does not change the target.
2004-10-04 Once the spell resolves, the new target is considered to be targeted by the deflected spell. This will trigger any effects which trigger on being targeted.
2004-10-04 The target of a spell that targets another spell on the stack can be changed to any other spell on the stack, even if the new target will resolve before the spell does.
2004-10-04 This does not check if the current target is legal. It just checks if the spell has a single target.
2004-10-04 This only targets the spell being changed, not the original or new target of the spell it is affecting.
2004-10-04 You can choose to make a spell on the stack target this spell (if such a target choice would be legal had the spell been cast while this spell was on the stack). The new target for the deflected spell is not chosen until this spell resolves. This spell is still on the stack when new targets are selected for the spell.
2004-10-04 You can’t make a spell which is on the stack target itself.
2004-10-04 You choose the spell to target on announcement, but you pick the new target for that spell on resolution.
2009-02-01 If a spell targets multiple things, you can’t target it with Deflection, even if all but one of those targets has become illegal.
2009-02-01 If a spell targets the same player or object multiple times, you can’t target it with Deflection.