Toils of Night and Day MTG Card
2005-02-04 - Number 57
2020-09-26 - Number BOK-57
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant — Arcane |
Text of card
Tap or untap target permanent, then tap or untap another target permanent.
"The war sent Kamigawa into turmoil. Here it was spring and there winter. For some, time stood still, while for others, moments flashed past like minnows in a pond." —*Observations of the Kami War*
Cards like Toils of Night and Day
Toils of Night and Day is a unique card that features prominently in MTG due to its versatility. It bears resemblance to other cards that manipulate the untap-tap mechanics, such as Twiddle, which allows the player to tap or untap a single target. However, Toils of Night and Day presents an option to affect two targets instead of one, providing a broader influence during a match.
Another akin card is Turnabout, which offers a more extensive manipulation by allowing the untapping or tapping of all artifacts, creatures, or lands for a single player. Though Turnabout grants more sweeping effects, Toils of Night and Day’s two-target flexibility at an instant speed makes it superior in situations where selective control is needed. There’s also Twitch, which can tap or untap a target and permits the player to draw a card. While this can increase card advantage, Toils of Night and Day’s ability to impact two separate targets without additional cost maintains its unique tactical edge.
In summary, while MTG contains several cards that allow players to influence the board state through tapping and untapping, Toils of Night and Day stands out due to its balanced cost, instant speed, and dual-target capacity. This can often result in more precise and advantageous plays during the course of a game.
Cards similar to Toils of Night and Day by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Toils of Night and Day, you can untap and tap permanents, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy while setting up your board for favorable moves. This can lead to a significant advantage, as it alters the pace of the game to your benefit.
Resource Acceleration: By manipulating the tap state of lands or mana-producing artifacts, you can effectively accelerate your resources. This twist in the game flow allows for quicker deployment of your threats or availability of mana for crucial responses.
Instant Speed: The beauty of Toils of Night and Day lies in its flexibility. Being able to cast it at instant speed offers tactical depth, enabling you to surprise an unprepared opponent or to maximize the effect of the card by choosing the most opportune moment, even during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Toils of Night and Day can be a versatile addition to a deck, it does come with a drawback of requiring players to discard a card for its replicate ability. This could potentially leave players at a disadvantage if they’re already running low on options in their hand, making strategic planning essential.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands both blue and colorless mana, which might not seamlessly fit into decks that are not built with a sufficient blue mana base. Players running multi-color decks may find themselves unable to play Toils of Night and Day when they need it most due to its specific mana requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Toils of Night and Day may come across as somewhat costly given the effects it produces. In a game where tempo can determine victory or defeat, investing three mana to tap or untap only two permanents might not always be the most economical use of resources, especially when other cards can perform similar actions at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Toils of Night and Day in Your Collection
Versatility: Toils of Night and Day fits seamlessly into a variety of deck builds because of its ability to untap or tap permanents. Its flexible nature allows it to serve as a utility card in any deck looking to manipulate the state of the game board.
Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with decks centered on tap-untap mechanics, enabling intricate combos. It’s a natural fit in strategies that capitalize on tapping or untapping for value, fueling both aggressive and control-oriented game plans.
Meta-Relevance: This card can be particularly impactful in metagames where the timing of tapping or untapping permanents can disrupt opponent strategies. Its strategic applications can provide players with the edge needed to control the pace of the match, making it a versatile addition to any collection ready to tackle shifting metagames.
How to beat
Toils of Night and Day might seem like a subtle card in Magic: The Gathering, yet its ability to untap and tap permanents can disrupt opponents significantly. When facing this versatile card, it’s critical to manage your resources wisely. To overcome it, maintaining a solid board presence is key. Cards that can shield your important permanents from being tapped or that can untap them are essential assets. This can dilute the impact of Toils of Night and Day, ensuring your strategy remains unhindered.
Consider leveraging instant-speed removal spells that can eliminate creatures before they become tapping targets. Similarly, countermagic like Negate or Dispel can preemptively address this threat. These instants can nullify Toils of Night and Day before its controlling abilities can manifest. Be conscious of open mana from your opponent, as it generally signals the potential use of such tricks. By keeping these tactics in mind, you place yourself in a stronger position to neutralize this card’s manipulative effects and preserve your pathway to victory.
In essence, the key to besting Toils of Night and Day lies in anticipation and preparedness. With the right measures and timing, this MTG card becomes significantly less daunting to tackle within the scope of play.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Toils of Night and Day MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa and The List, 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 Toils of Night and Day 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Toils of Night and Day Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-02-04 and 2005-02-04. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-02-04 | Betrayers of Kamigawa | BOK | 57 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | BOK-57 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Toils of Night and Day 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 Toils of Night and Day card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2005-02-01 | You must choose two different targets when you cast Toils of Night and Day. The targets are chosen on announcement. The tap or untap choice is made on resolution. |