Mark for Death MTG Card


Mark for Death can result in card advantage by forcing an opponent to block unfavorably during combat. While it does not directly accelerate resources, it pressures opponents into difficult positions, offering indirect advantages. Being a sorcery, thoughtful timing in conjunction with instant spells can maximize Mark for Death’s battlefield impact.
Mark for Death - Gatecrash
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set nameGatecrash
Set codeGTC
Number99
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMathias Kollros

Text of card

Target creature an opponent controls blocks this turn if able. Untap that creature. Other creatures that player controls can't block this turn.

Everyone roots for the little guy, but nobody bets on him.


Cards like Mark for Death

Mark for Death stands out among Magic: The Gathering’s combat tricks for its singular focus on enabling unblocked attacks. In spirit, it echoes the functionality of cards like Rogue’s Passage which can render a creature unblockable. While Rogue’s Passage can be used repeatedly, Mark for Death compensates by affecting multiple creatures for a one-time larger impact during a crucial turn.

Comparably, cards such as Seize the Day offer the chance for a creature to untap and attack again, providing additional offensive opportunities. However, unlike Mark for Death, it’s not guaranteed that the creature will be unimpeded. Then, there’s the often overlooked Infiltrate, providing a cheaper, but more temporary version of unblockability for a single creature. It offers a similar effect at a lower cost but doesn’t affect the battlefield as comprehensively as Mark for Death, which can alter the state of the whole combat phase by forcing the opponent to make difficult blocking decisions.

In assessing performance and strategy, Mark for Death provides a unique advantage for players aiming to tip the scales of combat in their favor, potentially clearing the way for a decisive strike.

Rogue's Passage - MTG Card versions
Seize the Day - MTG Card versions
Infiltrate - MTG Card versions
Rogue's Passage - MTG Card versions
Seize the Day - MTG Card versions
Infiltrate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mark for Death by color, type and mana cost

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Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Aftershock - MTG Card versions
Ruination - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Illuminate History - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The strategic benefit of Mark for Death lies in its ability to potentially remove a key defender by forcing it to block, which can lead to advantageous combat scenarios, potentially trading one of your less valuable creatures for an opponent’s more crucial one. This can result in card advantage if it allows you to eliminate an opponent’s threat while preserving your own board state.

Resource Acceleration: While Mark for Death itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By eliminating blockers and pressing the attack, you may put your opponent on the back foot, leading to missed drops or inefficient plays as they deal with the unexpected aggression Mark for Death introduces.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Mark for Death requires strategic play to maximize its potential. Its impact is felt during the combat phase, compelling the opponent to react during their own turn. Thoughtful timing, when paired with instant speed spells in your deck, can further enhance its effectiveness by allowing you to react to the forced block — perhaps with a combat trick or removal spell — and swing the tide of battle in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mark for Death necessitates the discarding of a card, which might deplete your hand, especially when you’re in need of maintaining card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Its strict mana requirement means it can only be seamlessly incorporated into decks that heavily or exclusively utilize black mana, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost set at four, this card could be considered a steep investment for what it achieves. Other cards could provide similar or greater impact at lower overall costs, making them potentially more efficient in competitive gameplay.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mark for Death stands out as a tactical advantage in decks that focus on single-target removal or aggressive strategies. Its ability to force an opponent’s entire team to block a single creature can clear the way for the rest of your attackers.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with creatures that have beneficial effects upon dealing combat damage to a player, or that have deathtouch, turning it into a one-sided board wipe.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-heavy decks are prevalent, Mark for Death can disrupt your opponent’s plans and dramatically shift the board state in your favor.


How to beat

Mark for Death is a card that can set a single opponent’s creature up for a fall against overwhelming odds. The strategy to outmaneuver this effect lies in maintaining a diverse and resilient battlefield. Creatures with indestructible or hexproof provide a buffer against being targeted, while those with deathtouch or high toughness can survive the onslaught. Additionally, running instant-speed removal or bounce spells can disrupt your adversaries’ plans, effectively nullifying the impact of Mark for Death. It’s essential to assess the board state and have contingencies for safeguarding valuable creatures from being isolated and overrun.

Playing a deck rich in creature control and recovery mechanics can also be an effective countermeasure. Cards that regenerate or have afterlife abilities can alleviate the sting by leaving behind spirits or reconstituting themselves post-combat. Having access to countermagic can also serve as a preventative measure to stop Mark for Death in its tracks. By strategically managing resources and anticipating such threats, players can mitigate its potentially devastating effects and maintain a strong defensive front. Understand your deck’s inherent strengths and be prepared to pivot tactics, ensuring Mark for Death doesn’t mark the end of your game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mark for Death MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Mark for Death and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mark for Death has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-01-24 If the creature can’t block (perhaps because it has become tapped or it doesn’t have flying and all attacking creatures do), then the requirement to block does nothing.
2013-01-24 If there are any costs required for that creature to block (such as the one imposed by War Cadence), the creature’s controller isn’t required to pay those costs. In that case, the requirement to block would do nothing.
2013-01-24 That creature’s controller still decides which attacking creature it blocks.