Turn the Tide MTG Card
2011-02-04 - Number 35
2011-05-14 - Number 30
2014-06-06 - Number 110
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Creatures your opponents control get -2/-0 until end of turn.
"Let their mindless armies come and face the might of genius." —Varil, Neurok partisan
Cards like Turn the Tide
Turn the Tide stands out in Magic: The Gathering for its utility in stalling aggressive opponents. It bears similarities to cards like Downsize, which also temporarily weakens opposing creatures, providing a strategic advantage during combat. Nonetheless, what sets Turn the Tide apart is its ability to affect all creatures your opponents control, potentially shifting the tide of a crucial battle.
Comparably, Strength in Numbers is a card that can influence creature power, but in an opposite manner by bolstering your own creatures’ strength based on the number of attackers. While it’s great for an offensive strategy, it doesn’t offer the defensive capabilities that Turn the Tide provides. Another akin card is Flusterstorm, which though different in function as a counter spell, matches Turn the Tide’s ability to disrupt the opponent’s momentum, especially in multi-target scenarios at instant speed.
Ultimately, Turn the Tide is valued for its wide-reaching impact and defensive potential, setting a bar for spells that temper the opponent’s offensive force in Magic: The Gathering. Its broad reach can often be a game-changer, making it a tactical option for any player looking to include a measure of control in their deck.
Cards similar to Turn the Tide by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: ‘Turn the Tide’ offers the strategic benefit of drawing cards, putting you at an advantage by expanding your options and increasing your hand size compared to your opponent. This mechanic is critical for staying ahead in the long game.
Resource Acceleration: This card has the potential to accelerate your resources. By shifting the momentum in your favor, it can enable faster deployment of other cards and strategies, helping you outpace your opponents.
Instant Speed: The ability to play ‘Turn the Tide’ at instant speed adds a layer of depth to gameplay. React to your opponent’s moves with precision or alter the course of a turn on the fly, making it a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the components that necessitates caution with Turn the Tide in your deck is the sacrifice element. If your hand is already stretched thin, having to discard another card can put you at a resource disadvantage, making it critical to time the use of this card correctly.
Specific Mana Cost: Constructing your mana base around cards with inflexible casting costs, like Turn the Tide, can be challenging. The necessity for both blue and another color means it can’t be slotted into mono-colored decks as seamlessly, potentially limiting its versatility across different deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Turn the Tide has its uses, the mana investment is heavy when compared to other options available. Given that MTG offers a myriad of cards that can alter the state of the game at a lower cost, this investment must be justified by the situation, or it may be seen as inefficient in fast-paced matches where mana economy is crucial.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Turn the Tide has the capability to be slotted into a variety of blue-based decks, granting them a defensive buffer. Its ability to potentially alter combat outcomes by changing creature toughness can be vital in tight match-ups.
Combo Potential: Its instant speed nature allows for surprise interactions and can be combined with cards that track the number of spells cast or benefit from targets being saved from damage, enhancing synergies within the deck.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with aggressive creature decks, Turn the Tide serves as a strategic tool to hold off opponents, giving control and midrange decks the crucial time needed to stabilize the board and advance their game plan.
How to Beat
Understanding how to navigate against Turn the Tide can significantly impact your gameplay in MTG. This card, known for its potential to swing a game’s momentum, requires a strategic approach. One way to counteract its effects is through the use of spells that nullify or protect against life total changes. Cards like Teyo, the Shieldmage can provide such protection, granting you a safeguard and ensuring your strength on the battlefield remains intact.
Another tactic involves maintaining a diverse range of threats. By diversifying your creature types and abilities, you prevent your opponent from gaining too much advantage from Turn the Tide’s lifegain effect. Spells like Negate also come in handy, countering Turn the Tide directly and preserving your board advantage. By keeping a well-rounded defense and smart counters in your hand, you’ll lessen the impact of this potentially game-altering card and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches.
Essentially, beating Turn the Tide hinges on preemptive planning and the utilization of cards that mitigate its effects. Careful deck building and timely spell casting are key to ensuring that this card doesn’t wash away your chances of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Turn the Tide MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged and Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia, 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 Turn the Tide 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Turn the Tide Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Jason Felix.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 35 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 2 | 2011-05-14 | Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia | TD2 | 30 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 3 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 110 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Turn the Tide has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Turn the Tide card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-06-01 | Only creatures your opponents control when Turn the Tide resolves are affected. Creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn are not. |