Triton Tactics MTG Card
2013-09-27 - Number 71
2017-10-24 - Number 23
2019-11-07 - Number 534
2020-09-26 - Number DDT-23
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Up to two target creatures each get +0/+3 until end of turn. Untap those creatures. At this turn's next end of combat, tap each creature that was blocked by one of those creatures this turn and it doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
Cards like Triton Tactics
Triton Tactics stands out in the realm of blue instant spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to untap two target creatures and provide them with a toughness boost until the end of the turn is reminiscent of spells like Twiddle, which also untaps a target permanent. What sets Triton Tactics apart is that it can affect two creatures simultaneously and gives them a defensive edge against damage that would be dealt to them that turn.
Looking at cards with a similar strategy, we have Unsummon, which resonates with the control aspect by returning a single target creature to its owner’s hand. Although this differs from Triton Tactics’ focus on bolstering your board presence, it’s an affordable way to disrupt opponents. Another comparable card is Rally the Troops which possesses the untap functionality but lacks the damage prevention benefit that Triton Tactics offers. Finally, there’s Artful Dodge, which focuses on making a creature unblockable for a turn—complementary in evasiveness but without the added protection and utility.
Each of these spells carries its unique advantages in a blue player’s arsenal, yet Triton Tactics carves a niche with its dual creature focus and defensive utility, making it a versatile tool in creature-centered blue decks.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Triton Tactics. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Temur Combo | Pioneer | Song of Creation | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Pittsburgh - Saturday - 1:00 pm (Bronze) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Triton Tactics does not directly allow you to draw cards, but its ability to untap multiple creatures enables you to use activated abilities more than once within a single turn. This can convert into card advantage if those abilities involve drawing cards or disrupting opponent plays.
Resource Acceleration: While Triton Tactics doesn’t create additional mana or Treasure tokens, it contributes to resource acceleration by untapping two creatures. This can potentially lead to more mana availability if the untapped creatures have mana-generating abilities or it can simply increase the number of times you can use mana-intensive creature abilities.
Instant Speed: Triton Tactics can be cast at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s actions, make surprise blocks, or protect key creatures during combat on your opponent’s turn. Instant speed also provides the option to keep mana open for other potential plays and use it to cast Triton Tactics when it would be most impactful.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Triton Tactics doesn’t force you to discard, it’s worth noting in other scenarios, discard mechanics can deplete your hand. Triton Tactics, however, requires creature presence to utilize its potential, which can be difficult if your board is empty.
Specific Mana Cost: Triton Tactics has a blue mana requirement, meaning it only fits comfortably in blue or multicolor decks. This specific mana cost can make it less appealing for those who don’t play blue mana pools, as it can’t be slotted into just any deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite costing only two mana, some players might find that using Triton Tactics takes up valuable resources that could be allocated to more impactful spells or creatures during a game’s crucial moments. The opportunity cost of holding up mana for this card’s effect might not always match up to its benefit in fast-paced games where tempo is vital.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Triton Tactics delivers the ability to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. It is a powerful tool for decks focusing on creature-based strategies, allowing you to untap multiple creatures and potentially create unexpected blockers or enable additional attacks during your turn.
Combo Potential: The card can combo well with creatures that have tap abilities or with cards that benefit from creatures being tapped or untapped, such as those with inspired or exert mechanics. This can lead to a chain of beneficial events and turn the tides during gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where aggressive creatures are prevalent, Triton Tactics can act as a surprise factor, giving your creatures a toughness boost to survive combat while thwarting your opponent’s attack or defense plans, making it a relevant inclusion for defense-oriented decks.
How to beat
Triton Tactics is a versatile instant in the realm of MTG that can change the tide of a game by unexpectedly enhancing creatures’ toughness and untapping them. Creatures not only become more resilient but also get a second wind to block or even undo the fatigue from an earlier attack within the same turn cycle. This ability makes it especially challenging to overcome during combat phases.
To effectively counteract Triton Tactics, players should consider using spells that prevent creatures from untapping, thus negating this surprise twist. Moreover, if a player suspects their opponent has Triton Tactics in hand, they could hold off on attacking with their full force or use removal spells after the untap effect has been used. Control elements are particularly useful here, such as instant speed removal, ensuring readiness to pick off newly-toughened creatures once their Shield is down. In this vein, instant spells like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile can dispatch threats regardless of Triton Tactics’ intervention.
Understanding the dynamics of Triton Tactics within the MTG universe provides players with the foresight to preempt its use or to strategize around it. By incorporating this knowledge, you’ll minimize its potential impact, ensuring a stronger position in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Triton Tactics MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins, 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 Triton Tactics 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 Triton Tactics Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Jack Wang.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-09-27 | Theros | THS | 71 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jack Wang | |
| 2 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 23 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jack Wang | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 534 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jack Wang | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | DDT-23 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jack Wang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Triton Tactics has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |