Trial of a Time Lord MTG Card


Grants card advantage and strategic edge with extra card draws and rapid resource acceleration. Can be cast at instant speed for versatile responses, yet requires discarding a card for play. Demands specific mana types and significant investment, which may limit its deck compatibility.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment — Saga

Text of card

(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after IV.) I, II, III — Exile target nontoken creature an opponent controls until Trial of a Time Lord leaves the battlefield. IV — Starting with you, each player votes for innocent or guilty. If guilty gets more votes, the owner of each card exiled with Trial of a Time Lord puts that card on the bottom of their library.


Cards like Trial of a Time Lord

Trial of a Time Lord is an intriguing addition to the pool of “time bending” cards within the world of Magic: The Gathering. It sits alongside Teferi’s Time Twist, which also engages with the manipulation of time and permanents. Trial of a Time Lord offers versatility, allowing a player to choose when to play certain spells, similar to how Teferi’s twist can reset a creature or planeswalker to capitalize on arrival effects or dodge removal.

Another card that has a synchronous relationship with the concept is Time Warp. This spell allows players an extra turn, giving a significant boost in strategy and momentum, much like Trial of a Time Lord aims to do with spell timing. However, while Time Warp takes immediate effect, Trial of a Time Lord requires a build-up to maximize benefits.

Lastly, Temporal Manipulation is a card that echoes the theme of taking extra turns. While it doesn’t allow the staggering of spells like Trial of a Time Lord, it does present the player with the timeless advantage of playing extra lands or spells in a single, swift succession.

Ultimately, these comparisons highlight the strategic depth and unique slot that Trial of a Time Lord fills within the space of time control mechanics in Magic: The Gathering.

Teferi's Time Twist - MTG Card versions
Time Warp - MTG Card versions
Temporal Manipulation - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Time Twist - MTG Card versions
Time Warp - MTG Card versions
Temporal Manipulation - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Trial of a Time Lord by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
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The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
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Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Trial of a Time Lord is adept at providing players with additional card draws, bolstering their hand and offering a strategic edge through superior options.

Resource Acceleration: This card is exceptional at generating crucial in-game resources swiftly, ensuring that players can execute their game plans more efficiently and effectively.

Instant Speed: Being able to cast Trial of a Time Lord at instant speed gives players the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s threats or end-of-turn situations, making it a versatile tool in any matchup.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Demands that you discard another card to play Trial of a Time Lord, a downside when your hand size is running on empty.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting Trial of a Time Lord requires a precise arrangement of mana types, which could restrict its integration into a wide range of decks, potentially making it less versatile in gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a substantial mana investment, there are other cards in the game that might provide similar benefits without the hefty cost, granting players a quicker and more efficient path to victory.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: “Trial of a Time Lord” is a flexible card that can be integrated into a variety of deck types, including those seeking to exploit time counter mechanics or looking to manipulate the flow of the game.

Combo Potential: Its unique ability to manipulate turns can be paired with other cards to create powerful game-winning combos, especially in decks that focus on taking extra turns or utilizing cast triggers.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where controlling the game’s pace is crucial, “Trial of a Time Lord” shines, as it allows savvy players to outmaneuver opponents by altering turn sequences, which can be particularly disruptive in matches that hinge on timing and sequence of plays.


How to Beat Trial of a Time Lord

Tackling Trial of a Time Lord in your MTG games requires strategy and understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. This card can be a real challenge, given its unique mechanics that allow players to manipulate turns. To overcome it, focusing on instant speed removal and disruption is key. Cards that can deal with it directly such as Abrupt Decay, that can’t be countered and hits nonland permanents, can be a lifesaver. Disallow, which counters any spell, activated ability, or triggered ability, is also a good pick to nullify Trial of a Time Lord’s impact on the game.

It’s also wise to consider alternative plans like establishing a quicker game tempo to outpace your opponent before they can derive great value from their Trial. Think of employing haste creatures or cards that can alter the number of counters on permanents to disrupt the Trial’s efficacy. Be mindful of card advantage too; ensure your resources are managed efficiently to maintain pressure and keep your defenses up against this time-bending card. Knowing when to hold back removal for key threats like Trial of a Time Lord is an essential skill for any MTG player looking to succeed.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Trial of a Time Lord MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, 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 of a Time Lord and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Trial of a Time Lord Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Audrey Benjaminsen.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 6342015SagaBlackAudrey Benjaminsen
22023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 292015SagaBlackAudrey Benjaminsen

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Trial of a Time Lord has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-10-13 The cards that didn't get put on the bottom of their owners' libraries will return to the battlefield as Trial of a Time Lord leaves the battlefield.