# 2014 Magic: The Gathering Vintage Masters #249

> Death Grasp from the 2014 Vintage Masters expansion is a versatile white and black sorcery that deals damage while gaining life.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2014
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Vintage Masters
- **Card number**: #249
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Death Grasp, numbered 249 in the 2014 Vintage Masters expansion, stands as a defining example of efficient resource management in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Illustrated by Raymond Swanland, this uncommon sorcery captures the strategic essence of balancing offense and defense through its dual-color identity of white and black. The card requires a mana cost of {X}{W}{B} and possesses a mana value of two, making it accessible early in the game while offering scalable impact based on the caster’s available resources. The gameplay mechanics of Death Grasp allow players to deal X damage to any target while simultaneously gaining X life. This unique interaction transforms a simple removal spell into a potent tool for board control and survival. By converting damage output directly into life gain, the card enables players to stabilize against aggressive strategies or finish off weakened opponents without sacrificing their own life total. This duality makes it a flexible choice for various deck archetypes that prioritize longevity and tactical flexibility. Within the Vintage Masters set, Death Grasp represents the kind of powerful, versatile spells that define the format. Collectors and players alike appreciate its ability to adapt to different game states, whether facing a fast attack or grinding out a long game. The card’s design and functionality reflect the thoughtful engineering of the Vintage Masters set, which focuses on reprints of iconic cards that have shaped the game’s history. For those building collections or seeking competitive options, this card offers both aesthetic appeal and mechanical depth. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the format or a newcomer drawn to the strategic complexity of TCGs, Death Grasp serves as an excellent case study in efficient card design. Its ability to impact the board while protecting the player’s life total ensures its relevance across many playstyles.

## FAQ

### What does Death Grasp do in Magic: The Gathering?

Death Grasp is a sorcery that allows you to deal X damage to any target and gain X life. This means the amount of damage dealt equals the amount of life you restore, making it a versatile tool for both removal and stabilization.

### What are the mana costs for Death Grasp?

The card has a mana cost of {X}{W}{B}, requiring one white mana, one black mana, and any amount of generic mana represented by X. It has a total mana value of two, excluding the X cost.

### Which set does Death Grasp belong to?

Death Grasp is card number 249 in the Vintage Masters expansion, released in 2014. It is an uncommon card in this set, which features reprints of powerful cards from the game's history.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.