Don't Blink MTG Card
2023-10-13 - Number 40
2023-10-13 - Number 645
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Cycling |
Text of card
Until end of turn, if one or more creatures would enter the battlefield from exile or after being cast from exile, their owners shuffle them into their libraries instead. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
"Blink and you're dead." —The Tenth Doctor
Cards like Don't Blink
Don’t Blink emerges as a versatile choice for players looking to shift the tempo of the game. It shares similarities with cards like Unsummon and Vapor Snag, both of which allow players to return creatures to their owner’s hand. However, Don’t Blink scales up this mechanic by potentially targeting any nonland permanent, offering broader utility and flexibility on the battlefield.
Comparatively, Into the Roil steps into the fray with its ability to also bounce noncreature nonland permanents, and it has the kicker mechanic for card draw. Despite this, Don’t Blink’s inclusion in a deck can be more optimal due to its ability to exile the target, negating any enter the battlefield effects upon the permanent’s return. Elsewhere, Blink of an Eye adds another layer to the discussion—like Into the Roil, it offers card draw with a kicker cost. Yet, it’s Don’t Blink’s instant speed and cost-effectiveness that could give it an edge in decks focusing on temporary removal strategies.
When aligning these cards side by side, Don’t Blink holds its own with its potential for disrupting your opponent’s strategy while keeping your mana open for other plays, making it an admirable choice in the right deck context.
Cards similar to Don't Blink by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Don’t Blink not only exiles one of your opponent’s creatures until the next end step, essentially saving you from a potential threat, but it also allows you to flicker a creature of your own. This can lead to re-triggering beneficial enter-the-battlefield effects, efficiently multiplying your resources without playing additional cards.
Resource Acceleration: By selecting creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects that provide land ramp or treasure tokens, you effectively turn Don’t Blink into a resource acceleration tool, aiding you to cast high-impact spells ahead of schedule and putting you at a substantial advantage.
Instant Speed: The versatility of playing Don’t Blink at instant speed means it can be seamlessly woven into your strategic plans. Reacting to your opponent’s moves, protecting your key creatures from removal, or simply triggering end-of-turn effects can all be achieved, keeping you a step ahead in the duel.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Don’t Blink involves a discard condition that can deplete your hand, especially detrimental during a tight game where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands precise mana allocation with both white and blue, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-colored decks not focused on these hues.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a three mana value for its temporary removal ability could be less economical when there are other removal options that may permanently solve threats for a similar or lesser cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Don’t Blink enhances multiple strategies with its instant speed, allowing players to either save their own creatures from removal or reset enters-the-battlefield abilities. It’s a suitable fit for a wide range of blue-based decks in MTG.
Combo Potential: This card can act as a cog in sophisticated engine builds, making it possible to repeatedly exploit creature abilities or dodge your opponent’s spells. Its combo potential shines in decks designed around flickering mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: Given its utility against various popular deck archetypes, Don’t Blink can disrupt opponents’ plans effectively. It’s a strong choice in metas where tempo plays and battlefield presence are crucial.
How to beat
Don’t Blink represents an intriguing challenge for players navigating the tricky waters of Magic: The Gathering. This card can often catch players off guard with its ability to temporarily exile and then return creatures to the battlefield. When facing an opponent who wields this card, one effective strategy is to prioritize playing creatures with valuable enter-the-battlefield effects. This way, you can turn the tide in your favor by using your opponent’s Don’t Blink to gain additional value from your creatures.
Additionally, incorporating instant speed spells that can remove, counter, or give your creatures hexproof or indestructible qualities will interrupt the potential advantages gained by your opponent from Don’t Blink. Countering the initial casting of Don’t Blink is also an effective method to prevent it from recurring with effects like those of Buyback or Flashback. Remember that resource management and timing are key when dealing with such cards – holding back on playing creatures until you can protect them, or until Don’t Blink has been used, can pay off in the long game.
Ultimately, understanding the intricacies of tempo and card advantage is essential when combating Don’t Blink. By leveraging these concepts, Players can deftly navigate around the obstacle this card presents and maintain control over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Don't Blink MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, 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 Don't Blink and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Don't Blink Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Anato Finnstark.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anato Finnstark | |
| 2 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 645 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anato Finnstark |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Don't Blink has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |