Test of Faith MTG Card
2004-02-06 - Number 17
2011-04-01 - Number 28
2011-05-14 - Number 29
2013-06-07 - Number 33
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn, and put a +1/+1 counter on that creature for each 1 damage prevented this way.
Those who survive the test bear a mark of power anyone can recognize.
Cards like Test of Faith
Test of Faith is a unique instant spell that can turn the tides in combat within Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives include cards that also offer protection and combat trickery, like Gods Willing. The latter provides protection from a chosen color, which Test of Faith lacks, but doesn’t offer the potential creature growth from prevented damage.
Another comparable card is Moment of Heroism, which gives a temporary power and toughness boost along with lifelink during combat. While Moment of Heroism grants instant benefits, Test of Faith provides a lasting advantage with +1/+1 counters if damage is prevented. Furthermore, comparison with a card like Brute Force highlights Test of Faith’s defensive edge, as Brute Force only increases power and toughness without offering the endurance provided by counters.
Therefore, in evaluating the strategic benefit of these spells, we can see that Test of Faith holds a solid place in scenarios that demand not just immediate protection but also a long-term improvement of a creature, establishing it as a card with significant impact in creature-focused strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Test of Faith by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Test of Faith allows for the potential to turn a threat into an asset by bolstering a creature’s toughness, often resulting in a two-for-one scenario where you not only save your creature but also get to eliminate an opposing threat.
Resource Acceleration: Although Test of Faith does not directly produce mana or other resources, the value generated from the card can translate into a form of resource acceleration. By strengthening your board presence, you enable quicker progression towards your game-winning strategy.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Test of Faith is enhanced by its instant speed, allowing for unexpected combat tricks or responses to your opponent’s actions, thereby keeping your adversaries on their toes and making it harder for them to predict your moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Making use of Test of Faith could potentially put you in a tough spot especially when you’re faced with a decision that impacts your hand. Discarding a card to fulfill its requirements can deplete your resources faster than anticipated, leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands white mana, which, while fitting seamlessly into mono-white or certain two-color combinations, might not be as easily accommodated in a deck with a wider mana base. This can hinder its flexibility and limit its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the ever-evolving environment of Magic the Gathering, the mana investment for Test of Faith needs to be weighed against other available cards. With a cost that may be deemed steep for the effect it provides, players must evaluate if its potential impact on the battlefield is worth the commitment of mana resources that could otherwise be allocated to more impactful spells.
Reasons to Include Test of Faith in Your Collection
Versatility: Test of Faith shines in its ability to be incorporated into a variety of decks. It’s particularly effective in those that require protection for key creatures or seek to take advantage of +1/+1 counters synergy.
Combo Potential: By turning attempted damage into a strength-building opportunity, this card can create surprising power swings and work well with other mechanics that trigger on counter distribution.
Meta-Relevance: Within a meta that favors creature-based strategies or one with a plethora of burn spells, Test of Faith may prove to be a crucial inclusion, helping to maintain board presence and outlast opponents.
How to beat Test of Faith
Test of Faith stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a protection spell that offers the unique twist of potentially turning a creature into a formidable adversary after surviving damage. With its ability to add +1/+1 counters equal to the damage prevented, this card can quickly escalate a minor threat into a major problem for opponents.
To successfully navigate against Test of Faith, a tactical shift is needed. Instead of dealing damage that could be prevented, direct removal spells are your best friend. Consider using destroy effects or cards that say “exile target creature” to eliminate the threat without triggering the Test of Faith’s counter-adding ability. Edict effects, which force the opponent to sacrifice a creature, are also effective since they circumvent Test of Faith’s damage prevention clause altogether.
Ultimately, understanding the mechanics of Test of Faith and preparing your deck with an array of removal options can nullify its potential impact on the game. By opting for removals that don’t deal damage, you can ensure that your opponent’s creatures don’t turn into an unexpected powerhouse, preserving your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Test of Faith MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons, 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 Test of Faith and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
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Printings
The Test of Faith Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Vance Kovacs.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-02-06 | Darksteel | DST | 17 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 2 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 3 | 2011-05-14 | Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia | TD2 | 29 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 4 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 33 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Test of Faith has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Test of Faith card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-12-01 | The +1/+1 counters are put onto the creature at the same time the damage is prevented. If a 1/1 creature would be dealt 6 damage, 3 damage is prevented and three +1/+1 counters are put on the creature. The creature ends up as a 4/4 creature with 3 damage marked on it. |