Trial of Zeal MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 152
2020-08-13 - Number 180
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
When Trial of Zeal enters the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to target creature or player. When a Cartouche enters the battlefield under your control, return Trial of Zeal to its owner's hand.
"Eternal glory awaits you, my child."
Cards like Trial of Zeal
Trial of Zeal is an engaging choice within the burn spell arsenal in Magic: The Gathering, sharing common ground with cards like Lightning Strike. Both deliver a quick three damage to any target, harnessing red’s direct damage theme. However, Trial of Zeal is distinct in its synergy with Cartouches, returning to hand when a Cartouche enters the battlefield. Unlike Lightning Strike, this property adds a strategic layer to deck building and game dynamics, potentially offering repetitive value.
Another cousin in the damage-dealing family is Searing Spear, which, much like Lightning Strike, costs two mana and deals three damage. But lacks the ability to be retrieved from the graveyard and reused. Fiery Temper also comes to mind, offering a cost reduction if discarded, blending well with decks that capitalize on discarding cards. While it doesn’t have the recursion mechanic of Trial of Zeal, it can be an unexpected play at a reduced cost.
Assessing the landscape of similar spells, Trial of Zeal stands out in red’s repertoire, not only for its damage output but also for its synergy with other cards, making it an intriguing option for players seeking a flexible and recurring source of damage in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Trial of Zeal by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Trial of Zeal enables players to deal three damage upon resolution, effectively removing a creature from the board or directly damaging an opponent. By removing an opponent’s creature, players can effectively gain card advantage by handling potential threats with a single card.
Resource Acceleration: If used as part of the Cartouche and Trial synergy, players can return Trial of Zeal to hand when a Cartouche enters the battlefield under their control, thereby circumventing the need to draw additional removal spells and accelerating the resource gain through repetitive use of the same card.
Instant Speed: Although Trial of Zeal operates at sorcery speed, it complements decks that operate at instant speed by providing a reliable turn-by-turn option for removal. It fits seamlessly into a strategy that keeps mana available for instant-speed interactions while still maintaining the pace of threat management.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Navigating the fiery gauntlet of Trial of Zeal comes with the steep price of parting with a card from your hand. This prerequisite can leave players in a tight spot when cards are sparse, and every option seems crucial for the upcoming turns. Careful consideration is demanded to weigh the immediate benefits against the potential long-term strategies that may be hindered by a lighter grip on your deck’s resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost is steeped in red mana, necessitating a robust commitment to red-colored lands or mana sources within your deck. Players who strategize around multicolored deck constructions may find the requirement a bit restricting, limiting the card’s synergies and its potential inclusion in their play strategy. It’s an especially poignant consideration during drafts when mana balance is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost:The challenge doesn’t end with the mana’s hue; the quantity needed is substantial. For the impact it delivers, the mana investment can be put into perspective by comparing Trial of Zeal to other spells within the same cost bracket. Players must decide if the trade-off in pace and flexibility is worth it, as this card could potentially slow down the momentum of faster-paced, aggressive decks seeking to maintain a lean mana curve.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Trial of Zeal is a flexible card that can be slotted into a variety of red deck archetypes. Its ability to deal direct damage makes it a consistent choice for burn strategies or to remove problematic creatures on the board.
Combo Potential: Paired with Cartouches, Trial of Zeal returns to your hand, ready to be used again. This synergy opens up possibilities for recurring damage combos, powerful in both aggressive and midrange decks.
Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting metagames, Trial of Zeal remains relevant by being a counter to creature-heavy decks. Its potential for targeted removal ensures that it can adapt to the prevalence of certain creature strategies in the competitive scene.
How to beat
Trial of Zeal is an intriguing card from Magic: The Gathering that can pack quite the punch with its ability to deal damage directly to a creature or player. When facing this card in your MTG matches, quickly identifying the best strategies to mitigate its impact is crucial. This enchantment thrives in decks that focus on cartouche synergy, repeatedly allowing the player to recast Trial of Zeal for repeated damage.
To effectively counteract Trial of Zeal, consider including enchantment removal cards in your deck. Cards that can destroy or neutralize enchantments such as Naturalize or Disenchant can instantly turn the tide of the game. Additionally, having creatures with indestructible or hexproof abilities can render the damage from Trial of Zeal ineffective. Think of creature cards such as Slippery Bogbonder or Lazotep Plating that can bolster your creatures’ defenses or redirect the damage. Interestingly, incorporating counterspells like Negate or Disallow can also prove invaluable, preventing Trial of Zeal from entering the battlefield in the first place.
By preparing your MTG deck with these defensive measures, you’re well equipped to handle the fiery challenges that come with going up against Trial of Zeal. It’s about staying one step ahead and making sure your opponents’ strategies don’t blaze out of control.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Trial of Zeal MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Zeal 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 of Zeal Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 152 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 180 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Trial of Zeal has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Trial of Zeal card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | Each Trial has an ability to return to your hand when a Cartouche enters the battlefield under your control. The Trial is returned to its owner’s hand only if it’s on the battlefield as the ability resolves. |