Trial and Error MTG Card
2019-11-07 - Number 68
2021-08-20 - Number 68
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Elemental Instant — Fire |
Text of card
Whenever CARDNAME is countered or fizzles, you may copy it and choose new targets for the copy. CARDNAME deals 3 damage to any target.
Cards like Trial and Error
Trial and Error is a remarkable example of a modal split card within Magic: The Gathering. When examining cards with similar flexibility, Failure to Comply comes to mind. Both cards offer the ability to react to an opponent’s strategy in different stages of the game. However, Trial and Error is unique in its enchantment removal option juxtaposed with a counterspell. In contrast, Failure to Comply focuses solely on spell targeting and delay tactics.
Another relative is Research // Development, which allows players to manipulate their deck or create numerous creature tokens. While not a direct comparison, it shares the concept of utility and choice. Trial and Error shines in its ability to disrupt opponent setups through targeted enchantment hate or countering a crucial spell. Context often dictates the preference, and in an enchantment-heavy meta, Trial and Error could be the superior choice.
Assessing these offerings, one can appreciate the niche Trial and Error fills in a player’s arsenal, especially when facing decks that heavily rely on enchantments or need to sneak in important spells. Its design speaks to players who value adaptability and strategic foresight in Magic: The Gathering.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Trial and Error is an exceptional card for players looking to leverage every action for maximum benefit. Drawing a card when it enters the battlefield solidifies your position by adding resources to your hand, allowing you to plot out strategic moves and maintain pressure on your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Efficient resource utilization is paramount in MTG, and Trial and Error doesn’t disappoint. It aids in ramping up your mana capabilities by possibly discarding land cards for conversions into valuable assets. The synergy with graveyard mechanics can also set off a chain of advantageous events.
Instant Speed: The capacity to operate at instant speed affords users a tactical edge by adapting to the evolving battlefield seamlessly. This feature allows for responsive play, holding back threats from opponents strategically or maximizing the potential of your own turns without telegraphing your intentions too soon.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Trial and Error card demands the discarding of a card as part of its cost which can be problematic when your hand is already depleting.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates both blue and red mana, restricting its seamless integration into decks that don’t run both colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana value of five, other cards in the same color pie might offer similar or better effects for a lower investment, making it a less favorable option for fast-paced gameplay.
Reasons to Include Trial and Error in Your Collection
Versatility: Trial and Error is a card that serves a dual purpose. Its “Trial” part is a powerful tool for creature-based decks, while “Error” offers a counterspell for situations when facing troublesome noncreature spells. Its flexibility allows it to be a valuable addition in various decks that need both creature support and spell disruption.
Combo Potential: For combo enthusiasts, Trial and Error shines by potentially enabling two-for-one scenarios—resolving a beneficial aura spell and having a counter ready for opponents’ reactions. Moreover, it can seamlessly fit into decks that capitalize on casting multiple spells in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: Given a meta that’s heavy on aura and enchantment strategies, Trial and Error is particularly effective. It can disrupt opponents’ set-ups while advancing your own game plan, making it a strategic choice for those looking to outmaneuver the current trends.
How to beat
Trial and Error presents an intriguing challenge for players in the world of Magic: The Gathering. This unorthodox spell is part of a cycle that allows you to either cast the Trial for its beneficial effect or discard a card named Error to counter a target spell unless its caster pays 1. To effectively navigate around this versatile card, it’s essential to understand its unique dynamics and limitations.
Adapting to this card requires a strategic approach. Consider holding back on casting non-critical spells when you suspect your opponent has Trial and Error in hand, forcing them to make a less impactful decision. Alternatively, baiting out the Error by casting spells of lesser importance can deplete your opponent’s resources and clear the path for your more significant plays. Deck construction can also play a pivotal role – incorporating cards that benefit from being discarded or having their spells countered can turn Trial and Error’s advantage against them.
Overall, countering Trial and Error comes down to thoughtful play, understanding the card’s mechanics, and a dash of psychological warfare. By anticipating your opponent’s moves and mitigating the impact of their Trial and Error, you can maintain the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Trial and Error MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021, 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 Trial and Error 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
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Printings
The Trial and Error Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Chris Clay.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 | CMB1 | 68 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Clay | |
| 2 | 2021-08-20 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021 | CMB2 | 68 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Clay |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Trial and Error card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-12 | A spell fizzles when it tries to resolve but each of its targets is no longer a legal target. |
| 2019-11-12 | Elemental is a card type, and Fire is an elemental type. This has no relation to the creature type Elemental. If an effect refers to an Elemental, it refers to the creature type. |