The Desperate Measures foil card (TDM #78) is an uncommon black instant from Magic: The Gathering's 2025 Tarkir: Dragonstorm expansion.
2025 • Magic: The Gathering • Tarkir: Dragonstorm
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.30 | Guide Estimate | +11.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 1, 2026
The Desperate Measures foil card, numbered 78 in the 2025 Tarkir: Dragonstorm set, represents a compelling addition for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. As an uncommon black instant, this card provides players with a tactical option that balances immediate creature interaction with long-term resource recovery. The foil treatment adds a layer of visual appeal, making it a desirable piece for those who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of premium TCG prints alongside their mechanical utility. In gameplay, Desperate Measures allows the caster to target a creature, granting it a +1/-1 modifier until the end of the turn. The strategic depth emerges when that targeted creature dies under the caster's control within the same turn; this triggers a secondary effect that allows the player to draw two cards. This mechanic exemplifies the risk-reward dynamic often found in black mana strategies, where sacrificing or losing creatures can fuel card advantage. The card’s one-mana cost makes it accessible early in the game, fitting seamlessly into aggressive or midrange decks that rely on creature trading. Collectors value this card not only for its gameplay potential but also for its place within the Tarkir: Dragonstorm expansion. The set continues to expand the rich lore of the Magic multiverse, offering cards that appeal to both competitive players and those who build libraries for enjoyment. The foil finish enhances the collectibility, providing a shimmering surface that stands out in binders or display cases. Artists and designers within the Magic community often seek out specific treatments to complete themed subsets, making this foil variant a notable target for completionists. Whether used to swing a board state or simply admired for its craftsmanship, Desperate Measures holds a steady place in the Magic: The Gathering card landscape.
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Desperate Measures
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Gaboleps
Card Stock
English
Foil
{B}
Instant
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Target creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn. When it dies under your control this turn, draw two cards.
"Sing for us when we depart for battle, and sing for us if we fail to return." —Mardu parting
FAQ
Desperate Measures is a black instant that gives a target creature +1/-1 until end of turn. If that creature dies under your control that turn, you draw two cards.
Yes, the version listed is the foil treatment of the card. Foil cards have a shiny, reflective surface that is distinct from the nonfoil version.
This card is from the Tarkir: Dragonstorm expansion, released in 2025. It is card number 78 in the set and is classified as an uncommon rarity.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.