Magic: The Gathering

Desertion

Classic Sixth Edition 64 • rare

Set: Classic Sixth Edition
Collector number: 64
Rarity: Rare
Mana cost: 3 generic mana blue mana blue mana
Type: Instant
Colors: Blue
Artist: Richard Kane Ferguson
Market price: $2.07

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$2.07est. via TCGplayer

104,743cards tracked

5other printings of this card

Market

What it's worth

$2.07market price via TCGplayer · Oct 7, 2026$2.07 – $2.27 over the tracked period

Estimate for a typical copy of Desertion; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

As a rare card from the Classic Sixth Edition, Desertion is a significant piece for those who appreciate foundational gameplay mechanics. Its ability to counter a spell and then put it into play under your own control remains a powerful way to turn an opponent’s strength against them at the table.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Card face

What it does

Counter target spell. If an artifact or creature spell is countered this way, put that card onto the battlefield under your control instead of into its owner's graveyard.

First the insult, then the injury.

Formats

Where you can play it

StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernNot legal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
BrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
TimelessLegal
Penny DreadfulLegal
OathbreakerLegal

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. As of the last catalogue refresh.

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Where to find one

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Provenance

Where it came from

Desertion was originally introduced in the Mirage expansion in 1996, designed as a blue counterspell with a unique twist that allowed the player to seize control of the countered creature or artifact rather than merely sending it to the graveyard. This mechanic solidified its status as a powerful control tool, reflecting the set's focus on complex interactions and the strategic importance of card advantage in early Magic: The Gathering gameplay.

The Sixth Edition printing, released in 1999, featured new artwork by Donato Giancola. This edition marked the first time the game utilized a standardized, modern card frame and clarified rules text. Giancola’s illustration departs from the original abstract depiction, opting for a detailed, atmospheric scene that aligns with the refined artistic direction of the core set transition, where Wizards of the Coast sought to unify the game's aesthetic and provide more narrative-driven visuals.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Other printings

Every version of this card

The same card, printed again — different sets, treatments, and prices.

Collectors

Who's collecting this

Real cards collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.

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About

About Desertion

Desertion is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. Classic Sixth Edition 64 • rare. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

How many collectors track Desertion on collecto.rs?

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Can I track my own copy of Desertion?

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Where does the Desertion catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Desertion is sourced from Scryfall. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.