Gauntlets of Light MTG Card


Offers card advantage and resource acceleration, elevating gameplay through strategic creature enhancements. Instant speed application can surprise opponents, but requires white mana and board presence. Though costly, its versatility and combo potential make it a worthy collection addition.
Gauntlets of Light - Core Set 2020
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2019-07-12
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2020
Set codeM20
Number17
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byEkaterina Burmak

Text of card

Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +0/+2 and assigns combat damage equal to its toughness rather than its power. Enchanted creature has ": Untap this creature."


Cards like Gauntlets of Light

Gauntlets of Light stands as a noteworthy enchantment among Magic: The Gathering’s myriad of buffs for creatures. It finds its place alongside cards like On Serra’s Wings, which also bestows a combination of abilities and power influence. Gauntlets of Light sets itself apart with the added benefit of untapping the enchanted creature for a mana fee, potentially offering more versatility during combat or in response to certain spells or abilities.

Also reminiscent of the Gauntlets’ effect is Squire’s Devotion. Though this enchantment leans more towards life gain, it also grants a Lifelink ability, much like the alternative life gain method of Gauntlets of Light through its power boost. However, Squire’s Devotion lacks the reusable untap feature, positioning Gauntlets as a unique tool for repeatedly exploiting a creature’s abilities.

A fine balance exists between augmenting creature’s powers and providing additional utility. Gauntlets of Light enhances a creature’s offensive potential while also offering strategic freedom to make multiple uses of a creature within a turn. This gives it a distinct role in the realm of creature enchantments in Magic: The Gathering.

On Serra's Wings - MTG Card versions
Squire's Devotion - MTG Card versions
On Serra's Wings - MTG Card versions
Squire's Devotion - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gauntlets of Light shines in providing ongoing benefits without the need for further investment. Once equipped, the enchanted creature not only gets a boost but also opens up strategies for repeated use, essentially squeezing more value from a single card.

Resource Acceleration: This enchantment greatly increases the output of your creatures, as it enhances mana generation specifically on creatures with a tap-for-mana ability. This creates a dynamic shift allowing for quicker deployment of your hand, propelling you ahead in the resource game.

Instant Speed: Gauntlets of Light is a noteworthy addition for any deck looking for strategic flexibility. The aura’s ability to enhance a creature can be used at instant speed with cards that allow you to attach auras as instants. This flexibility can catch opponents off guard, turning the tide in a crucial moment with sudden blocking or attacking power.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Gauntlets of Light doesn’t directly need you to discard a card, it does require a certain board presence to be effective. Without a creature to attach it to, the card sits idle in your hand, which can be similar to a discard in terms of card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Gauntlets of Light has a specific mana cost that includes white mana. This requirement might make it less versatile, as it primarily fits in decks that can easily generate white mana, potentially limiting its widespread utility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the enchantment offers a significant boost to a creature’s power and toughness along with an untap ability, its three mana cost can be steep for what it offers. In a competitive environment, players may opt for lower-cost enchantments that provide similar or more potent effects with less mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Gauntlets of Light offers flexibility in deck building, effectively fitting into white-based enchantment strategies or auras-focused decks that aim to make creatures significantly tougher.

Combo Potential: Partnering this card with creatures that have tap abilities for mana generation, like “Incubation Druid,” can lead to a powerful mana combo, providing considerable advantage and allowing for bigger plays much earlier in the game.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where long, drawn-out battles dominate, the Gauntlets’ ability to buff creatures and untap them can swing games, making it a relevant choice for decks looking to hold their ground and outpace opponents through superior creature utility.


How to beat Gauntlets of Light

Gauntlets of Light can be a game-changer in MTG, notably for its ability to amplify a creature’s toughness and turn it into a formidable attacker or blocker. While it may seem like a daunting enchantment to overcome, players can employ a few strategies to neutralize its effects. Spot removal spells are among the most effective tools. Cards that can destroy or exile enchantments like Naturalize or Disenchant can directly target and remove Gauntlets of Light from the battlefield.

Another tactic is to focus on controlling the creatures that Gauntlets of Light aims to enhance. Removal spells that specifically target creatures, such as Murder or Doom Blade, can disrupt your opponent’s strategy before they can capitalize on the enchantment’s benefits. Moreover, countering the spell when it’s on the stack with a counter spell prevents the equipment from ever hitting the board and nullifies the threat entirely.

While Gauntlets of Light can appear formidable once in play, keeping a versatile hand with a mix of removal and counter spells can ensure you’re prepared to dismantle its strategy. Managing your resources effectively and anticipating your opponent’s moves allows you to maintain control over the game and ultimately leads to a path to victory against this enchanting challenge.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Gauntlets of Light can make a vast difference in your gameplay and deck building strategies. Whether you’re looking to enhance your creature’s abilities, tap into the potential for mana acceleration, or capitalize on the power of enchantment auras, this card can serve as a pivotal piece in your MTG arsenal. It is essential to consider its synergies, explore combos, and weigh its mana cost against your deck’s curve. If you’re curious about integrating Gauntlets of Light into your collection or seeking advice on counterplay, our comprehensive guides can provide the insights you need to optimize your deck’s performance. Discover the full potential of your cards and strategies with our expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gauntlets of Light MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2020, 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 Gauntlets of Light and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gauntlets of Light has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-07-12 Gauntlets of Light’s effect doesn’t change the enchanted creature’s power; it changes only the amount of combat damage that creature assigns. All other rules and effects that check power or toughness use the actual values. For example, if a creature fights while enchanted by Gauntlets of Light, that creature will deal damage equal to its power, not its toughness.