Flicker of Fate MTG Card


It can reuse ETB triggers, offering card advantage and strategic depth in matches. Instant speed provides versatility, countering removals and enabling surprise interactions. The specific mana cost encourages inclusion in white or white-combined strategies in MTG.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Exile target creature or enchantment, then return it to the battlefield under its owner's control.

An infinite journey in an infinitesimal time.


Cards like Flicker of Fate

Flicker of Fate stands out in the realm of blink spells in Magic: The Gathering, with a unique twist on exiling and returning permanents. Its comparison with Cloudshift is inevitable – both cards allow you to momentarily exile a creature you control, only to have it return to the battlefield instantly. Flicker of Fate extends this mechanic by targeting any permanent, not just creatures, offering a broader range of strategic moves.

Another card that often comes up in discussion is Momentary Blink. With its slightly higher mana cost, this card offers a similar effect but brings to the table a flashback ability, thus granting a second usage from the graveyard. This makes it a more flexible choice in longer matches where resource maximization can be a pivotal factor. Conversely, Flicker of Fate, at two mana, can be part of a quicker pace strategy, fitting seamlessly into a more aggressive game plan

Each of these spells has its niche, playing pivotal roles within their respective strategies. Flicker of Fate deserves credit for its versatility in dealing with any kind of permanent, providing players with a dynamic tool in their arsenal that’s tuned for adapting to a multitude of situations on the battlefield.

Cloudshift - MTG Card versions
Momentary Blink - MTG Card versions
Cloudshift - MTG Card versions
Momentary Blink - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Flicker of Fate. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov Death & TaxesOrzhov Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
DecklistDecklist Free form79#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Flicker of Fate card offers strategic depth through its ability to, essentially, grant you another use of your permanents’ enter-the-battlefield (ETB) triggers. This subtle yet powerful interaction can be the difference between maintaining a foothold in the game or surging ahead in terms of value.

Resource Acceleration: By flickering mana-generating permanents or those that produce tokens, you can significantly ramp up your resources. This can accelerate your game plan by allowing you to deploy your threats earlier or enable demanding mana strategies with more flexibility.

Instant Speed: Versatility shines with Flicker of Fate’s instant speed, allowing players to react on the fly. Whether you’re dodging removal, reusing beneficial ETB effects during an opponent’s turn, or simply saving a key permanent from a board wipe, the instantaneity of this card can swing the momentum of a match in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Flicker of Fate does not have a discard requirement, allowing you to maintain your hand size while using its effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Flicker of Fate requires both white mana and generic mana to cast. This specific mana cost means that it firmly belongs in white or white-inclusive decks, which could limit its flexibility across the broader spectrum of deck types in MTG play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When analyzing the mana cost of Flicker of Fate, it becomes apparent that although two mana may not seem excessive, in certain game situations where tempo is critical, its cost could be considered high for the effect it produces. Especially when alternative cards with similar effects could be cast for less or offer additional benefits.


Reasons to Include Flicker of Fate in Your Collection

Versatility: Flicker of Fate offers a unique approach as it allows you to temporarily exile any permanent you control and then return it to the battlefield. This adaptability can be applied to a plethora of situations, providing both defensive tactics, such as evading removal spells, and enabling enter-the-battlefield effects for a repeated value.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, Flicker of Fate can become a pivotal piece in executing influential combos. It partners well with permanents that have powerful enter-the-battlefield triggers, effectively multiplying their effects each turn, and seamlessly integrates within strategies that revolve around manipulating the state of the board.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games are won and lost through key battlefield interactions and timely responses, Flicker of Fate can offer an unexpected angle of play. The ability to protect your assets or reuse their effects can tilt the scales in your favor in a meta gamed by precision and adaptability.


How to beat

Flicker of Fate is a unique card in MTG that has the ability to temporarily remove a target creature or enchantment from the game and return it to the battlefield under its owner’s control. This card can disrupt your plays or save an opponent’s valuable pieces from removal. Understanding the timing and flexibility of Flicker of Fate is key to overcoming its effects.

To effectively counter this card, consider using instant speed removal when your opponent is low on mana, minimizing their opportunity to use the flicker effect. Alternatively, employing cards that restrict the ability to target, like hexproof granting spells, can diminish the utility of Flicker of Fate. Cards that cause your opponent to sacrifice creatures, instead of targeting them, can also bypass the protective nature of Flicker of Fate.

Keep an eye on the board state and maintain resources to respond to their strategies. Recognize that being overly reliant on single key creatures or enchantments against a deck wielding Flicker of Fate can be risky. Diversifying your threats and incorporating disruption can help you withstand and beat the versatile nature of this enchanting card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Assessing the intricate playstyles that Flicker of Fate introduces to MTG gameplay, it’s clear that mastery of this card can greatly amplify your strategic depth. With the potential to generate extra value from your permanents or to protect your key pieces in a pinch, incorporating Flicker of Fate into your deck can be a game-changer. We encourage you to explore the synergies and combo opportunities this card presents. Enhance your collection and your gameplay with this versatile card, and for more insights into how to optimize your deck with Flicker of Fate’s unique abilities, continue your MTG journey with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Flicker of Fate MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Flicker of Fate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Flicker of Fate Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 162015NormalBlackTomasz Jedruszek
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 562015NormalBlackSila

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Flicker of Fate has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-01-24 If a token is exiled this way, it will cease to exist and won’t return to the battlefield.
2020-01-24 If an Aura is put onto the battlefield without being cast, the Aura’s controller-to-be chooses what it will enchant as it comes back onto the battlefield. An Aura put onto the battlefield this way doesn’t target anything (so it could be attached to an opponent’s permanent with hexproof, for example), but the Aura’s enchant ability restricts what it can be attached to. If the Aura can’t legally be attached to anything, it remains in its current zone.
2020-01-24 Once the exiled permanent returns, it’s considered a new object with no relation to the object that it was. Auras attached to the exiled permanent will be put into their owners’ graveyards. Equipment attached to the exiled permanent will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled permanent will cease to exist.