Reins of Power MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Control switch of creatures with Reins of Power can abruptly alter the game’s momentum in your favor.
  2. Instant-speed play allows for surprise defense or attack during critical game phases.
  3. Its ability to leverage opponent’s creatures accelerates your resources, enhancing strategic plays.

Text of card

You and target opponent each untap and gain control of all creatures the other controls until end of turn. Those creatures are unaffected by summoning sickness this turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Reins of Power card offers a strategic advantage by allowing you to temporarily gain control of an opponent’s creatures. This switch can be a game-changer, particularly if your opponent has a formidable creature lineup, effectively turning the tide of the match in your favor without permanently affecting the board state.

Resource Acceleration: Utilizing this card does more than disrupt an opponent’s plans. It can also serve as a form of resource acceleration by giving you access to your opponent’s creatures. This gives you the ability to leverage their abilities, potentially securing you additional resources or effects that can be used immediately.

Instant Speed: Reins of Power’s value is further amplified by its instant speed. This flexibility allows you to cast it in response to an opponent’s attack, before a big play, or during the end phase of their turn. This unpredictability can catch opponents off guard, disrupt their strategy, or even protect your life total by blocking with their own creatures.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The strategic utilization of Reins of Power in your deck could be hampered by the need to discard other valuable cards from your hand. This can place you in a precarious position, especially if Reins of Power is your key to turning the game around but your hand doesn’t have the expendable resources to accommodate the discard.

Specific Mana Cost: Reins of Power comes with a specific mana cost that necessitates both blue and generic mana. If you’re running a multi-colored deck or one that struggles with mana flexibility, casting it might not always align smoothly with your mana curve, potentially causing delays in your game plan.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although switching control of all creatures can be a game-changer, Reins of Power’s comparatively high mana cost might deter you from including it in your deck. A four mana spell takes a substantial chunk of your resources and may compete with other impactful spells in the four-mana slot that could also pivot the game in your favor.


Reasons to Include Reins of Power in Your Collection

Versatility: Reins of Power is a card that offers unique flexibility during gameplay. It can be swiftly included in blue-based control or combo decks and adapts to various situations, allowing for defensive or aggressive plays depending on your current board state.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that capitalize on creature-based combos or those designed to make use of opponents’ creatures. Swapping armies can lead to unexpected victory or make your opponent’s strategies backfire spectacularly.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-heavy decks are common, Reins of Power becomes an even more critical asset. By taking control of the best creatures on the board, it can turn the tide of the game in your favor even against the most daunting boards.


How to beat

Reins of Power is a unique card in the MTG universe, granting players the ability to swap creatures with their opponent temporarily. This switch can turn the tide of battle but has its weaknesses. One effective strategy to counter this card is to maintain control over your creature’s quality and quantity. By ensuring that your creatures are not significantly more powerful than your opponents’, you reduce the incentive for them to play Reins of Power.

Additionally, holding onto instant-speed removal spells lets you respond to the switch by removing key creatures from play, negating the temporary advantage they may gain. It’s also beneficial to watch the game state closely—if your opponent is playing blue and has four mana untapped, they might be holding onto Reins of Power. Being conservative with your creature deployment or having a backup plan can minimize the impact of this switcheroo tactic.

The use of counterspells is also crucial. If you suspect your opponent has Reins of Power, keeping mana open to counter it when they cast the spell can save you from a precarious situation. In summary, being cautious with your creatures and ready with removal or counters greatly mitigates the threat posed by Reins of Power.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving deeper into the MTG realm, the Reins of Power card emerges as a compelling addition to your collection. With its innate potential to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, positioning and timing become paramount. Embrace the surprise element it brings to the table and leverage its game-swinging capabilities strategically. If you’re ready to harness the power of this instant-speed trick and exploit its distinct tactical advantages, it’s time to refine your approach to deck-building. Navigate to our platform to further your MTG prowess and uncover the ultimate strategies that could make Reins of Power your secret weapon. Sharpen your deck and mind, and prepare to outmaneuver your opponents with finesse.


Cards like Reins of Power

Reins of Power is a unique card in MTG with the ability to turn the tide of a game by swapping creatures with your opponent until end of turn. A similar card is Cultural Exchange, which also involves exchanging control of creatures, but it isn’t as flexible because the number of creatures exchanged must be equal. Reins of Power shines in its adaptability since it can affect all creatures, providing a potential game-changer during a critical moment or standstill.

Another parallel can be drawn with Switcheroo, which trades control of two target creatures but as a one-off event. This lacks the temporary and potentially massive board impact of Reins of Power. Also, there’s the enchantment Donate, allowing permanent transfer of control, but its singular nature means it doesn’t pack quite the same punch during a player’s turn as the sweeping effect Reins of Power can have.

Examining these cards side by side, Reins of Power distinguishes itself as a potent tool for those unexpected plays that can leverage an opponent’s creatures momentarily. The strategic implications and surprise factor often make it a more sought-after card for players looking to seize control of the game in an instant.

Cultural Exchange - MTG Card versions
Switcheroo - MTG Card versions
Donate - MTG Card versions
Cultural Exchange - Odyssey (ODY)
Switcheroo - Magic 2013 (M13)
Donate - Urza's Destiny (UDS)

Cards similar to Reins of Power by color, type and mana cost

Deflection - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Inspiration - MTG Card versions
Turnabout - MTG Card versions
Quash - MTG Card versions
Foil - MTG Card versions
Thwart - MTG Card versions
Plagiarize - MTG Card versions
Fact or Fiction - MTG Card versions
Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Fold into Aether - MTG Card versions
Part the Veil - MTG Card versions
Surging Aether - MTG Card versions
Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions
Gifts Given - MTG Card versions
Discombobulate - MTG Card versions
Permafrost Trap - MTG Card versions
Bone to Ash - MTG Card versions
Sudden Storm - MTG Card versions
Weave Fate - MTG Card versions
Deflection - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Ray of Command - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Inspiration - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Turnabout - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Quash - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Foil - Prophecy (PCY)
Thwart - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)
Plagiarize - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Fact or Fiction - The Brothers' War Commander (BRC)
Cryptic Command - Amonkhet Invocations (MP2)
Fold into Aether - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Part the Veil - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Surging Aether - Coldsnap (CSP)
Careful Consideration - Modern Masters (MMA)
Gifts Given - Happy Holidays (HHO)
Discombobulate - Tenth Edition (10E)
Permafrost Trap - Worldwake (WWK)
Bone to Ash - Core Set 2020 (M20)
Sudden Storm - Born of the Gods (BNG)
Weave Fate - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Reins of Power MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Magic Online Promos, 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 Reins of Power and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Reins of Power Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 411997normalblackColin MacNeil
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 625172015normalblackJohn Severin Brassell
32011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 572003normalblackColin MacNeil
42015-11-13Commander 2015C15 1032015normalblackColin MacNeil
52016-11-11Commander 2016C16 962015normalblackJohn Severin Brassell
62022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7342015normalblackJohn Severin Brassell

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Reins of Power has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2004-10-04 It is perfectly legal for either or both players to have zero creatures. They give control of all their zero creatures as instructed.
2007-05-01 You only untap creatures controlled by you and the targeted opponent, not all creatures.

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