Stonewood Invocation MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant
Abilities	Split second
Released	2006-10-06
Set symbol
Set name	Time Spiral
Set code	TSP
Number	223
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Pete Venters

Key Takeaways

Stonewood Invocation provides considerable card advantage with its can’t-be-countered protection and split second timing.
Its instant speed flexibility allows strategic responses to threats, keeping pivotal creatures on the board.
Despite mana cost concerns, its dynamic combo potential makes it a valuable asset in various gameplay situations.

Text of card

Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't play spells or activated abilities that aren't mana abilities.) Target creature gets +5/+5 until end of turn and can't be the target of spells or abilities this turn.

"Might of ancient wood and stone, Into spirit, flesh, and bone."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Stonewood Invocation provides a significant boost to your tactics by offering protection to your creature without losing card parity. As it can’t be countered, you ensure your strategy proceeds uninterrupted, placing you ahead in exchanges that involve creature removal or combat tricks.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to mana ramp, Stonewood Invocation’s split-second mechanic can save critical resources by preemptively shielding your creatures from targeted spells without needing to commit other cards or mana for additional protection.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed means you can adapt to the evolving board state, using Stonewood Invocation to surprise opponents during combat or in response to direct threats, ensuring that your creatures stay in play and pressuring the opposition.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Stonewood Invocation doesn’t require a discard, it does necessitate careful hand management to ensure you can maximize its potential when needed without depleting essential resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Stonewood Invocation’s cost includes two green mana symbols, which can be restrictive for multi-colored decks that are not heavily green-focused or lack sufficient mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, including two specific green mana, Stonewood Invocation might be considered costly for the effect it provides. Players may opt for spells with lower mana costs that offer similar protection and power boosts.

Reasons to Include Stonewood Invocation in Your Collection

Versatility: Stonewood Invocation stands out as a staple in any green deck due to its split-second ability, making it immune to your opponents’ spells. It’s perfect for protecting key creatures or sealing the deal with a sudden surge in power during combat.

Combo Potential: The ability of Stonewood Invocation to grant not only +5/+5 but also uncounterable protection allows for dynamic combo plays, seamlessly slotting into strategies keen on creating powerful, single-turn surprises that can turn the tide of a match.

Meta-Relevance: With a metagame that frequently sees spot removals and counterspells, Stonewood Invocation provides a reliable buffer against these threats. It ensures that your crucial plays can go off without a hitch, making it a potent inclusion in environments where timing and spell resolution are key.

How to beat

Stonewood Invocation is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering, offering both protection and a sudden power boost. Unlike many combat tricks, this Instant can make a creature not just stronger but also untargetable for a turn. This means that counterspells, direct removal, or even targeted bounce effects are of no use once it’s cast. The key to beating Stonewood Invocation relies on timing and strategy.

One effective tactic is to force the Stonewood Invocation out during your opponent’s turn or before your own turn when you have full mana available. Patience is crucial; holding back removal until the opponent commits to casting Invocation can lead to a successful two-for-one. Board wipes that do not target, such as Wrath of God, bypass its “cannot be the target” clause. Additionally, edict effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature, like Diabolic Edict, can effectively circumvent the protection granted by Stonewood Invocation, efficiently dealing with the buffed threat.

In summary, while Stonewood Invocation can provide a substantial and resilient advantage during combat, understanding its strengths and limitations allows for strategic planning and the implementation of counterplays that will help maintain control of the game board and ultimately secure victory.

Cards like Stonewood Invocation

Stonewood Invocation is a unique combat trick in the pantheon of playable instants in MTG. It mirrors the protection elements seen in cards like Blossoming Defense, which grants a creature +2/+2 along with hexproof until end of turn. Yet, Stonewood Invocation takes it a step further by granting not only +4/+4 and split second, ensuring that for the turn, this spell is virtually unstoppable. This kind of power boost can often be enough to turn the tides of battle decisively.

Comparing this to Vines of Vastwood, which also gives a creature the ability to evade targeted spells and abilities, we find that Vines can be either cheaper or more expensive depending on its kicker cost and doesn’t offer the same immediate stat boost. Additionally, Vines of Vastwood can target any creature, not just one you control, adding an element of flexibility.

When evaluating Stonewood Invocation against its counterparts, it is clear that the spell’s combination of power increase and defensive capabilities, alongside its split second timing, positions it as an exceptionally mighty choice for any player seeking to safeguard their creatures during combat.

Cards similar to Stonewood Invocation by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stonewood Invocation MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral, 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 Stonewood Invocation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Stonewood Invocation has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2021-03-19	After a spell with split second resolves (or otherwise leaves the stack), players may again cast spells and activate abilities before the next object on the stack resolves.
2021-03-19	Casting a spell with split second won’t affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.
2021-03-19	If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that spell can’t be cast if a spell with split second is on the stack.
2021-03-19	Players may turn face-down creatures face up while a spell with split second is on the stack.
2021-03-19	Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack; their options are just limited to mana abilities and certain special actions.
2021-03-19	Split second doesn’t stop triggered abilities from triggering, such as that of Chalice of the Void. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and chooses targets for it, if any. Those abilities will resolve as normal.