Trinisphere MTG Card


Trinisphere disrupts opponent strategies by forcing higher mana costs on spell casts. Effectively shapes the game without relying on timing, unlike instant-speed spells. Indirectly taxes players, potentially leading to disadvantageous discards or plays.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

As long as Trinisphere is untapped, each spell that would cost less than three mana to play costs three mana to play. (Additional mana in the cost may be paid with any color of mana or colorless mana. For example, a spell that would cost to play costs to play instead.)


Cards like Trinisphere

The Trinisphere is a unique artifact in Magic the Gathering, standing out in the realm of cost-affecting cards. It shares a conceptual lineage with cards like Sphere of Resistance, which adds one generic mana to the cost of each spell a player casts. However, Trinisphere takes it further by ensuring no spell can cost less than three mana, a restriction not found in Sphere of Resistance.

Another parallel can be drawn with Thorn of Amethyst, amplifying the cost of non-creature spells by one. Yet, this card doesn’t have the same sweeping influence across all types of spells. In the right deck, Trinisphere can stymie opponents’ early-game strategies more comprehensively than its counterparts.

Critically analyzing these cards, Trinisphere’s power is evident, as it can shift the tempo of an entire game, making it a feared piece in formats like Legacy and Vintage. Its ability to hinder cheap and fast spells places it in a different tier from its cost-increasing kin, greatly impacting the flow of play when it hits the table.

Sphere of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Thorn of Amethyst - MTG Card versions
Sphere of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Thorn of Amethyst - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Trinisphere by color, type and mana cost

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Trinisphere. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Other ShopsOther Shops VintageOther ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-09
Mono-White InitiativeMono-White Initiative VintageMono-White InitiativeVintage League 2024-05-06
Mono-Red PrisonMono-Red Prison LegacyMono-Red PrisonLegacy League 2024-05-07
Jewel ShopsJewel Shops VintageJewel ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Prison ShopsPrison Shops VintagePrison ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-05
UU LegacyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Aggro ShopsAggro Shops VintageAggro ShopsVintage Qualifier 2024-05-05

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Trinisphere doesn’t directly provide card advantage, it can indirectly secure it by disrupting opponents’ plans and forcing them to play fewer spells per turn. This barrier often leads to players accruing cards in hand but being unable to cast them efficiently.

Resource Acceleration: Trinisphere excels more in slowing down opponents rather than accelerating your resources. However, in a strategy that already includes mana acceleration, it ensures that these extra resources put you significantly ahead as your opponents are taxed heavily to keep pace.

Instant Speed: Trinisphere operates at a constant effect that doesn’t rely on the speed of play. Its persistent ability to control the tempo from the moment it hits the battlefield means that, unlike instants, it doesn’t require precise timing to be effective—you’re constantly shaping the game just by its presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Trinisphere requires no discarding of cards; however, its ability can force players to discard indirectly. If a player cannot meet the minimum mana cost due to Trinisphere’s taxing effect, it could lead to a suboptimal play or discard at the end of the turn.

Specific Mana Cost: Trinisphere’s static ability stands out for requiring a set amount of three mana for each spell. This can be restrictive as it applies to all spells, potentially slowing down the game for the user and their opponent, fitting less seamlessly into decks not designed around such constraints.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three generic mana, Trinisphere can be considered costly for its effect on the early game flow. In comparison, other artifacts might offer more direct disruption or acceleration in this mana range.


Reasons to Include Trinisphere in Your Collection

Versatility: Trinisphere is a unique artifact that can adapt to various playstyles. It enforces a minimum cost on spells, ensuring that all players must spend at least three mana to cast any spell, which can be used strategically in different deck formats.

Combo Potential: This card can be paired with other lock pieces to create a formidable control setup. When combined with cards that restrict the untapping of lands or increase mana costs, Trinisphere can significantly hinder opponents’ strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In metas dominated by fast, low-cost decks, Trinisphere shines by slowing down the pace and forcing a more deliberate game. Its presence is vital against combo decks that rely on casting a succession of inexpensive spells to win.


How to Beat Trinisphere

Trinisphere is a challenging artifact to face on the battlefield. It’s a notorious card that sets a minimum cost of three mana for all spells. Players facing Trinisphere should focus on efficient resource management and deck building that includes low-cost spells capable of neutralizing or bypassing its effects. Including cards that can directly destroy or bounce artifacts is a sound strategy when up against Trinisphere. Examples include Naturalize or Echoing Truth, which offer cost-effective ways to remove troublesome noncreature permanents.

Another effective tactic is to deploy creatures with abilities that aren’t triggered by casting spells, such as landfall or prowess, which circumvent Trinisphere’s taxing effect. This way, players can continue to develop their board and apply pressure without having to pay the additional mana. Moreover, playing lands that tap for more than one mana like Temple of the False God or utilizing mana rocks can also help you amass the required mana to cast your spells under Trinisphere’s restrictive rule.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming Trinisphere lies in a well-prepared deck, a focus on alternative cost advantage, and a readiness to adapt your game plan. By employing these strategies, players can mitigate Trinisphere’s influence and continue to execute their strategies effectively.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding Trinisphere’s dynamics is crucial for any MTG player looking to strengthen their deck against fast-paced opponents. This artifact can transform the game, forcing strategic plays and mindful resource allocation. If your collection lacks this powerful piece, it might be time to consider its role in shifting the tides of battle. For those ready to dive deeper into optimizing gameplay or defending against this artifact’s effects, we extend a warm invitation. Join our community to gain insights, uncover strategies, and enhance your deck’s potential to ensure you’re always one step ahead in the MTG realm.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Trinisphere MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and From the Vault: Exiled, 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 Trinisphere and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Trinisphere Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 1542003NormalBlackTim Hildebrandt
22009-08-28From the Vault: ExiledV09 152003NormalBlackTim Hildebrandt
32016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 522015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
42020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3032015NormalBlackTim Hildebrandt

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Trinisphere has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageRestricted
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-08-07 If Trinisphere leaves the battlefield or becomes tapped or untapped as a cost to cast a spell, this cost is paid after you've locked in the total cost.
2020-08-07 To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying, add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. Finally, apply Trinisphere's effect if the mana component of the spell's cost is less than three mana. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.