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[[File:DFC Transforming.png|thumb|right|400px|Double-faced cards have a ''Magic'' card on both the front and back.]] {{TOCright}} '''Double-faced cards''' ('''DFCs''') in ''[[Magic]]'' have a regular [[card frame]] on each side, and no [[card back]]. Each face has a symbol to denote the front from the back. Traditional DFCs can be [[Transform|transformed]] or [[Convert|converted]] from their front face to their back face while modal DFCs can be played as either face but cannot transform or convert. ==History== Double-faced cards were introduced in the [[Innistrad block]]. All cards featured the [[keyword action]] [[transform]] (turn it over so that its other face is up). A common slot was replaced by a "DFC slot" that had the appropriate probability for each rarity appearing (i.e. roughly 2/3 common, 1/5 uncommon, 1/15 rare, 1/120 mythic). Double-faced cards returned in ''[[Magic Origins]]'' where one side featured a [[legendary]] creature, and the other side featured its [[planeswalker]] incarnation. These "flipwalkers"<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/122905969893/can-you-say-if-the-flipwalkers-are-the-only|title=Can you say if the flipwalkers are the only planeswalkers in ORI?|June 30, 2015}}</ref> were first [[exiled]] and then returned transformed from the exile zone.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/magic-origins-mechanics-article-2015-06-22|''Magic Origins'' Mechanics Article|[[Matt Tabak]]|June 22, 2015}}</ref> In ''Magic Origins'', there was only one double-faced card for each color. Double-faced cards returned in ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]''. These had the transform mechanic again. New rules stipulated that the [[converted mana cost]] of the back face of a double-faced is based on the mana cost of the front face.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics|Shadows over Innistrad Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|March 7, 2016}}</ref> ''[[Eldritch Moon]]'' introduced a twist with [[meld]], a [[keyword action]] that changes the card with meld and another specific card into one [[oversized]] card. That single card only exists on the [[card back|backs]] of the two other cards. Whenever the melded card leaves the battlefield, both cards go, and they each turn front face up again.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/over-moon-part-1-2016-06-27|Over the Moon, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 27, 2016}}</ref> For gameplay purposes, these are NOT considered to be DFCs (see rule 713.1b), though they occupy the DFC slot in a ''Shadows over Innistrad'' booster pack.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/146685423123/does-meld-cards-count-as-dfcs-can-we-get-one-of|title=Do meld cards count as DFCs?|June 29, 2016}}</ref> There are three pairs of cards that can meld together: a white pair, a black pair, and a pair consisting of a red card and a land. There were also fifteen regular DFCs in ''Eldritch Moon''. Since June 2017, double-faced cards are considered to be [[deciduous]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/162425409498/just-listened-to-the-hybrid-mana-episode-of-drive|title=What mechanics and tools are currently considered Deciduous?|June 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Deciduous">{{DailyRef|making-magic/deciduous-2022-03-28|Deciduous|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 28, 2022}}</ref> Ten of them appeared in ''[[Ixalan]]'' - one of each color, and five artifacts - highlighting the tales and tools of discovery.<ref name="Mechanics">{{DailyRef|feature/ixalan-mechanics|''Ixalan'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|August 28, 2017}}</ref> Another seven double-faced cards appeared in ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'', one of each enemy color pair and two artifacts. Double-faced cards were now an infrequent thing. The short time between ''Shadows over Innistrad'' and ''Ixalan'' was not meant to be a precedent,<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/164732186138/double-faced-cards-were-first-printed-in-innistrad|title= Is it reasonable to expect more double-faced cards in at least one set each year moving on?|August 28, 2017}}</ref> but [[R&D]] came to realize that there was a lot more of design space to be explored in double-faced cards.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/more-maro-maro-2019-12-02|More Maro on Maro|[[Mark Rosewater]]| December 2, 2019}}</ref> A single double-faced card, <c>Nicol Bolas, the Ravager</c> was printed in ''[[Core Set 2019]]''. ''[[Zendikar Rising]]'' introduced [[Modal]] Double-faced cards (MDFCs).<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-mechanics-2020-09-01|Zendikar Rising Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref> While the original Double-faced cards were inspired by the [[Hasbro]] ''Duel Masters'' game, MDFCs were inspired by [[split card]]s.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628453477592530944/im-sure-you-will-be-talking-about-it-in-an|title=Were the Zendikar MDFCs inspired by Duel Masters?|September 5, 2020}}</ref> Rather than using a common slot, these had a slot that replaced an uncommon or rare in ''Zendikar Rising'', while the next two sets had all-rare MDFCs, distributed as normal through the rare slot. In ''[[Innistrad: Midnight Hunt]]'', the common transformation triggers found on most werewolves were keyworded with [[Daybound]] and [[Nightbound]].<ref name="Happy">{{DailyRef|making-magic/happy-hunt-ing-part-1-2021-09-02|Happy Hunt-ing, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 2, 2021}}</ref> Although still primarily present on werewolves, these keywords also appear on other permanents. The set also introduced [[Disturb]], which allows cards to be cast from the graveyard transformed.<ref name="MidnightMechanics">{{DailyRef|feature/innistrad-midnight-hunt-mechanics-2021-09-02|Innistrad: Midnight Hunt Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 2, 2021}}</ref> This continued with ''[[Innistrad: Crimson Vow]]''. In these sets, DFCs had two slots, split into "common" and "higher rarity" and, unlike previous Innistrad sets, had the commons DFCs color balanced. ''[[Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty]]'' melded together Sagas and DFCs, where the third chapter exiles and returns the Saga transformed and becomes a creature on the other side. These had a single slot at common or uncommon, while the rare and mythic DFCs were distributed through the rare slot. The ''[[Transformers]]'' [[Universes Beyond]] franchise product, found in ''[[The Brothers' War]]'' boosters, depicted a series of characters from the Hasbro franchise as ''Magic'' cards. They have an unusual combination of modal and transforming DFC mechanisms in [[More Than Meets the Eye]] and can [[convert]] between faces once on the battlefield. Convert is mechanically identical to Transform but is renamed as to avoid a Transformer copyright concern. ''[[March of the Machine]]'' introduces a new card type (Battles), all 36 of which are DFCs. In addition, there are a cycle of Praetor-Sagas and four cycles of creatures that have become compleated. One Battle (uncommon rarity or higher) is guaranteed per booster, and another slot is dedicated to a non-Battle DFC of any rarity. ''[[The Lost Caverns of Ixalan]]'''s new mechanic [[Craft]] is tied to being a DFC artifact. Additionally, like the previous visit to Ixalan, there are series of permanents that transform into lands, and <c>Huatli, Caller of Unity</c> uniquely is a creature that transforms into a Saga. The rarities were distributed as with Neon Dynasty. ==Description== ===Transforming double-faced cards=== Transforming double-faced cards (TDFCs<ref name="Challenge 2">{{DailyRef|making-magic/zendikar-rising-challenge-part-2-2020-09-07|''Zendikar Rising'' to the Challenge, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 7, 2020}}</ref>) represented a radical change for the [[card back]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/every-two-sides-has-story-2011-08-29|Every Two Sides Has a Story|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|two-sides-2011-09-21|The Two Sides|[[Monty Ashley]]|September 21, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/twenty-things-were-going-kill-magic-2013-08-01|Twenty Things That Were Going To Kill Magic|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 5, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/double-faced-card-rules-2011-08-29|Double-Faced Card Rules|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 28, 2011}}</ref> Until their release, no legal card could have a different print on the back than the regular ''Magic'' card back. Double-faced is a referable [[property]] for a [[card]]: <c>Overgrown Pest</c> and <c>Invasion of Pyrulea</c> look for double-faced cards while in the library. Multiple cards in ''[[March of the Machine]]'' also refer to being transformed, making it a quasi-typal synergy. Thematically, these double-faced cards represent something that undergoes a major ''transformation'', hence the keyword action. This is expressed in different ways, depending on the setting. ====Innistrad==== [[File:Daybreak Ranger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Double-faced cards as they first appeared in ''[[Innistrad]]''.]] In ''Innistrad'' sets, many are [[werewolves]], fledgling [[vampire]]s, or other creatures undergoing horrifying transformations. The majority of these cards are creatures that transform into other creatures, although there are a significant number of exceptions: {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Rares & Mythics ! Front Face !! Card Type(s) !! Back Face !! Card Type(s) !! Set |- | {{card|Arlinn Kord||SOI}} || Planeswalker | {{card|Arlinn, Embraced by the Moon||SOI}} || Planeswalker |data-sort-value=3.1| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Arlinn, the Pack's Hope||MID}} || Planeswalker | {{card|Arlinn, the Moon's Fury||MID}} || Planeswalker |data-sort-value=5.1| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Elbrus, the Binding Blade||DKA}} || Artifact | {{card|Withengar Unbound||DKA}} || Creature |data-sort-value=2.1| {{keyrune|DKA|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Garruk Relentless||ISD}} || Planeswalker | {{card|Garruk, the Veil-Cursed||ISD}} || Planeswalker |data-sort-value=1.1| {{keyrune|ISD|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Hostile Hostel||MID}} || Land | {{card|Creeping Inn||MID}} || Artifact Creature |data-sort-value=5.1| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=M}} |- | {{Card|Jacob Hauken, Inspector}} || Creature | {{Card|Hauken's Insight}} || Enchantment |data-sort-value=6.1|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Poppet Stitcher||MID}} || Creature | {{card|Poppet Factory||MID}} || Artifact |data-sort-value=5.1| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Startled Awake||SOI}} || Sorcery | {{card|Persistent Nightmare||SOI}} || Creature |data-sort-value=3.1| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=M}} |- | {{card|Curse of Leeches||MID}} || Enchantment (Aura Curse) | {{card|Leeching Lurker||MID}} || Creature |data-sort-value=5.2| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=R}} |- | {{Card|Edgar, Charmed Groom}} || Creature | {{Card|Edgar Markov's Coffin}} || Artifact |data-sort-value=6.2|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=R}} |- | {{Card|Wedding Announcement}} || Enchantment | {{Card|Wedding Festivity}} || Enchantment |data-sort-value=6.2|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=R}} |- | {{card|Westvale Abbey||SOI}} || Land | {{card|Ormendahl, Profane Prince||SOI}} || Creature |data-sort-value=3.2| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=R}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Uncommons ! Front Face !! Card Type(s) !! Back Face !! Card Type(s) !! Set |- | {{card|Accursed Witch||SOI}} || Creature | {{card|Infectious Curse||SOI}} || Enchantment (Aura Curse) |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Autumnal Gloom||SOI}} || Enchantment | {{card|Ancient of the Equinox||SOI}} || Creature |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Chalice of Life||DKA}} || Artifact | {{card|Chalice of Death||DKA}} || Artifact |data-sort-value=2.3| {{keyrune|DKA|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Cryptolith Fragment||EMN}} || Artifact | {{card|Aurora of Emrakul||EMN}} || Creature |data-sort-value=4.3| {{keyrune|EMN|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Dormant Grove}} || Enchantment | {{Card|Gnarled Grovestrider}} || Creature |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Foreboding Statue}} || Artifact Creature | {{Card|Forsaken Thresher}} || Artifact Creature |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Harvest Hand||SOI}} || Artifact Creature | {{card|Scrounged Scythe||SOI}} || Artifact (Equipment) |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Heirloom Mirror||MID}} || Artifact | {{card|Inherited Fiend||MID}} || Creature |data-sort-value=5.3| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Mysterious Tome||MID}} || Artifact | {{card|Chilling Chronicle||MID}} || Artifact |data-sort-value=5.3| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Mystic Skull||MID}} || Artifact | {{card|Mystic Monstrosity||MID}} || Artifact Creature |data-sort-value=5.3| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Neglected Heirloom||SOI}} || Artifact (Equipment) | {{card|Ashmouth Blade||SOI}} || Artifact (Equipment) |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Radiant Grace}} || Enchantment (Aura) | {{Card|Radiant Restraints}} || Enchantment (Aura Curse) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Skin Invasion||SOI}} || Enchantment (Aura) | {{card|Skin Shedder||SOI}} || Creature |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Soul Seizer||DKA}} || Creature | {{card|Ghastly Haunting||DKA}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=2.3| {{keyrune|DKA|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Soulcipher Board}} || Artifact | {{Card|Cipherbound Spirit}} || Creature |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Thraben Gargoyle||SOI}} || Artifact Creature | {{card|Stonewing Antagonizer||SOI}} || Artifact Creature |data-sort-value=3.3| {{keyrune|SOI|rarity=U}} |- | {{card|Vengeful Strangler||MID}} || Creature | {{card|Strangling Grasp||MID}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=5.3| {{keyrune|MID|rarity=U}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Disturb Auras ! Front Face !! Card Type(s) !! Back Face !! Card Type(s) !! Set |- | {{Card|Faithbound Judge}} || Creature | {{Card|Sinner's Judgment}} || Enchantment (Aura Curse) |data-sort-value=6.1|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=M}} |- | {{Card|Dorothea, Vengeful Victim}} || Creature | {{Card|Dorothea's Retribution}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.2|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=R}} |- | {{Card|Katilda, Dawnhart Martyr}} || Creature | {{Card|Katilda's Rising Dawn}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.2|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=R}} |- | {{Card|Mirrorhall Mimic}} || Creature | {{Card|Ghastly Mimicry}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.2|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=R}} |- | {{Card|Brine Comber}} || Creature | {{Card|Brinebound Gift}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Distracting Geist}} || Creature | {{Card|Clever Distraction}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Gutter Skulker}} || Creature | {{Card|Gutter Shortcut}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Mischievous Catgeist}} || Creature | {{Card|Catlike Curiosity}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Twinblade Geist}} || Creature | {{Card|Twinblade Invocation}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.3|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=U}} |- | {{Card|Binding Geist}} || Creature | {{Card|Spectral Binding}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.4|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=C}} |- | {{Card|Drogskol Infantry}} || Creature | {{Card|Drogskol Armaments}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.4|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=C}} |- | {{Card|Kindly Ancestor}} || Creature | {{Card|Ancestor's Embrace}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.4|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=C}} |- | {{Card|Lantern Bearer}} || Creature | {{Card|Lantern's Lift}} || Enchantment (Aura) |data-sort-value=6.4|{{Keyrune|VOW|rarity=C}} |} <!--Data sort values key: 1=ISD, 2=DKA, 3=SOI, 4=EMN, 5=MID, 6=VOW; .1=Mythic, .2=Rare, .3=Uncommon, .4=Common--> ====Igniting Planeswalkers==== In ''[[Magic Origins]]'', ''[[Core Set 2019]]'' and ''[[Modern Horizons 3]]'', there are cards representing planeswalkers whose spark is igniting, represented by creatures that transform into planeswalkers. ''Magic Origins'' features a cycle of mono-color planeswalkers, while ''Core Set 2019'' features a single planeswalker; <c>Nicol Bolas, the Ravager</c>, that is tricolored into tricolored. ====Ixalan==== In [[Ixalan block|''Ixalan'' sets]], they represent the journey into uncharted territory and the discovery of new locales. Enchantments and artifacts represent a tool or event along the journey and transform into a land that represents the destination. ''Ixalan'' features a cycle of mono-color enchantments and five artifacts, while ''Rivals of Ixalan'' features a cycle of enemy-color enchantments, an artifact, and an artifact creature. ====Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty==== ''[[Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty]]'' used the storytelling aspect of Sagas and linked them to many Kamis' spiritual embodiments of history and concepts. The enchantment front side tells the tale as recorded on various forms of artwork, while the backside is an enchantment creature, the Kami that is borne from that legend's influence on the world. Each have identical third and final chapter abilities, where they exile and return themselves transformed.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/kamigawa-neon-dynasty-mechanics-2022-01-27|''Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|January 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/kamigawa-neon-dynasty-release-notes-2022-02-09|''Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty'' Release Notes|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|February 9, 2022}}</ref> ====March of the Machine==== ''[[March of the Machine]]'' introduced a new card type, [[Battle]], to represent a new gameplay dynamic. A Battle gives a player a secondary target to achieve in [[defeat]]ing by dealing sufficient damage, and an opponent has the opportunity to defend them. All the [[Siege]]s in ''March of the Machine'' are double-faced cards with the front uniquely designed as a horizontal landscape showing the Invasion of a certain plane (all Sieges follow the naming convention of "Invasion of X"). Defeating a siege causes the card to be exiled and the back face is cast as a payoff. ====The Lost Caverns of Ixalan==== The new mechanic of [[Craft]] transforms artifacts into various other permanents. Each exile themselves and a crafting "ingredient" (another card or cards) and return transformed. Of the "landmark" transformers, there are a cycle of "Deepest" [[God]]s that transforms into a land whose non-mana ability is transforming back. The [[Jurassic World]] cards include a Saga that transforms into a land. ===Modal double-faced cards=== [[File:DFC Modal.png|thumb|right|300px|Modal double-faced card: either face can be played from the hand.]] Modal double-faced cards (MDFCs<ref name="Challenge 2"/>) were introduced in ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-release-notes-2020-09-10|''Zendikar Rising'' Release Notes|[[Eli Shiffrin]]|September 10, 2020}}</ref><ref name="More Rising">{{DailyRef|making-magic/more-zendikar-rising-stars-2020-09-21|More ''Zendikar Rising'' Stars|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-zendikar-rising-2020-10-05|Odds & Ends: ''Zendikar Rising''|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 5, 2020}}</ref> Like previously released double-faced cards, modal double-faced cards have two card faces, one on each side of the card. But these cards don't [[transform]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-mechanics-2020-09-01|Zendikar Rising Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 1, 2020}}</ref> When you play a modal double-faced card, you choose which face you're playing. The front side of the card has a single triangle {{dfc|front}} in the upper left-hand corner. The backside has two triangles {{dfc|back}} and a different [[card frame]] with white font. Modal double-faced cards fit in the same design space as [[split card]]s, but the latter can only be instants and sorceries. This means MDFCs tend to have at least one side be permanent. Technically, there could be an MDFC with two instants and/or sorceries with text that couldn’t fit on a split card.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628251093200224256/going-forward-when-making-cards-and-deciding|title=Going forward, when making cards and deciding split/double-sided cards?|September 3, 2020}}</ref> Similarly to transform cards, the modal faces of these cards vary depending on the setting. *The MDFCs of ''Zendikar Rising'' all feature [[land]]s on their back face. **Notably, six of them are [[Pathway land]]s, which are lands on both sides that tap for different colors of mana. **There is also a cycle of mythic cards with lands that enter untapped if their controller pays 3 life. *The primary MDFCs of ''[[Kaldheim]]'' all feature legendary [[God]] creatures on their front face, and a legendary non-land permanent on the back face. **While most of the back faces are artifacts, three of the Mythics have other permanent types on the back: ***[[Alrund]]'s back face is [[Hakka]], a blue [[bird]] creature. ***[[Esika]]'s back face is a five-color [[enchantment]]. ***[[Valki]]'s back face is a black and red [[Tibalt]] [[planeswalker]]. **''Kaldheim'' additionally features the remaining four lands of the Pathway cycle that weren't printed in ''Zendikar Rising''. *The MDFCs of ''[[Strixhaven: School of Mages]]'' all feature [[enemy color]] combinations, except for one that is colorless. **Notably, only one of these has two colors on the front face {{nowrap|({{W}}{{B}})}}, while its back face is allied colored {{nowrap|({{B}}{{R}})}}. *''[[Transformers]]'' has a mechanic that merges both transforming and modal DFCs using [[More Than Meets the Eye]]. ===Helper cards=== [[File:Helper card.png|right|thumb|150px|A [[substitute card]] for modal DFCs.]] {{main|Helper card}} ''Zendikar Rising'' introduced "[[helper card]]s", a [[substitute card]] for an actual double-faced card when playing without opaque [[sleeve]]s in order to prevent cheating. Double-faced cards must be kept in a card sleeve with an opaque back when not using a substitute card. These cards have a standard ''Magic'' card back and a write-in area on the front face that can be used to indicate which card is being represented. ==Rules== {{CR+G|Double-Faced Cards}} {{CR|glossary|Modal Double-Faced Cards}} {{CR|glossary|Transforming Double-Faced Cards}} ==Playing with double-faced cards== ===Icons=== [[File:Jin-Gitaxias.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Double-faced card with simplified triangular icons in the upper corners.]] Each face of a double-faced card has an icon to aid players in identifying the front from the back. The front face has a single white triangle pointed upward inside a black circle {{dfc|obverse}} to the left of the card name. The back face has a single white triangle pointed downward inside a black circle {{dfc|reverse}} on the right side of the card, where the [[mana cost]] would normally be printed. The release of ''[[The Brothers' War]]'' and ''[[Transformers]]'' saw R&D standardize the icons for all double-faced cards. Front faces now have an upward-pointing triangle and back faces use a downward-pointing triangle positioned on the right side of the [[title bar]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/715167225583140864|title=I completely understand the decision to standardize all the symbols on the TDFCs in MOM to the triangle/upside-down triangle.|April 20, 2023}}</ref> The change brings transforming DFCs in line with modal DFCs, which use similar symbols ({{dfc|front}} for front faces and {{dfc|back}} for back faces).<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/713529098259038208|title=Regarding DFC's, the night/day icons are flavourful and intuitive, but the other DFC icons I feel are not. |April 2, 2023}}</ref> ===Previous icons=== Before ''[[The Brothers' War]]'', double-faced cards used icons that were themed around their respective sets. The Innistrad block double-faced cards used an icon next to the card name representing a sun {{dfc|sun}} or a moon {{dfc|moon}}. The front of the card is called the "day" side, and a regular card frame, a [[mana cost]], and the sun symbol. The back or "night" side had the moon symbol and a slightly altered frame similar to [[Card frame#Planeshifted cards|planeshifted cards]] with a darker text box and white text for the [[card type]], [[name]], and (for creatures) [[power and toughness]]. With the ''[[Magic Origins]]'' rules update, the sun and moon symbols lost their meaning; the front of the card was then defined by the appearance of the [[mana cost]]. The set also introduced two new symbols for the five double-faced cards in its set: The rising sun {{dfc|spark}} for the front side and the planeswalker symbol {{dfc|ignite}} for the backside. With the release of ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'', the symbols in the upper-left corner regained their rules meaning, due to a single card {{-}} <c>Westvale Abbey</c>. As a land, the front face lacked a mana cost and would be considered a back face under the previous rules. Creatures from ''[[Eldritch Moon]]'' that transform into [[colorless]] [[Eldrazi]] have the aforementioned eldritch moon {{dfc|fullmoon}} for the front side and [[Emrakul]] {{dfc|emrakul}} for the back side, showing this creature has joined [[Emrakul]]'s brood.<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/summary-two-fears-2016-06-28|A Summary of Two Fears|[[Ken Nagle]]|June 28, 2016}}</ref> This is symbolizing one transformation step further from that shown in ''Innistrad'', ''Dark Ascension'', and ''Shadows over Innistrad''. Double-faced cards from ''[[Ixalan]]'' and ''[[Rivals of Ixalan]]'' highlight the tales and tools of discovery. The front face is recognized by the icon of a compass rose {{dfc|compass}}. Lands on the backface are marked by the land icon {{dfc|land}} last seen in ''[[Future Sight]]''. For ''[[Innistrad: Midnight Hunt]]'', all mechanics involving two-sided cards once again used the {{dfc|sun}} and {{dfc|moon}} symbols. Though they were intuitively tied to [[Daybound]]/[[Nightbound]], they didn't have a good logical association with [[Disturb]] or the other transform cards.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/663860884124368896/i-do-think-its-confusing-that-separate-mechanics|October 1, 2021}}</ref> In retrospect, [[Mark Rosewater]] admitted [[R&D]] might have not wanted to use the day and night icons on things that weren’t Daybound/Nightbound even if previously Innistrad sets did.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/663850617379373056/you-responded-to-a-question-with-your-own|October 1, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty]]'' used a closed fan {{dfc|closedfan}} on the front side and an open fan {{dfc|openfan}} on the back. ===Play=== Double-sided cards enter the battlefield with their front side up. To switch between the two card faces, the [[keyword action]] [[transform]] is used. When a permanent transforms, all [[counters]], [[Auras]], and [[Equipment]] stay on the card, and the card neither enters nor leaves the battlefield. However, some cards transform by changing zones: *The bulk of them exile and return themselves transformed ("[[blink]]") due to rules requirements of their types or subtypes. **The six creatures that transform into planeswalkers need to be blinked as loyalty counters are placed as an enters-the-battlefield replacement effect and would otherwise die as state-based effects. **If <c>Conqueror's Galleon</c> had transformed normally, it would retain the ability "This permanent becomes an artifact creature until end of turn." gained from [[Crew]], and thus become a 0/0 artifact creature and die as a state-based action.<ref>{{DailyRef|card-preview/conquering-design-ixalan-2017-09-05|Conquering the Design of ''Ixalan''|[[Ken Nagle]]|September 5, 2017}}</ref> **The Sagas of ''[[Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty]]'' blink to avoid multiple tracking issues. It would avoid having creatures with chapter counters on them - if, for whatever reason, the creature is forcibly transformed, the third chapter counter would kill the Saga immediately. It would also clean up the board, stop them from being mistaken for +1/+1 counters, and would also stop them from being inherently [[modified]]. It was also found that immediate transforming was too aggressive and needed to reset summoning sickness. ''[[March of the Machine]]'''s Praetor cycle does so as well, as standard transforming will not give a lore counter until the next draw step and so fail to trigger the first chapter ability. <c>Huatli, Poet of Unity</c> does the same. **[[Siege]]s in ''[[March of the Machine]]'' could have any type of spell on the back side, so they are exiled and cast to let Planeswalkers, Instants, and Sorceries be the victory spoils for defeating the Battle. **[[Craft]] artifacts from ''[[The Lost Caverns of Ixalan]]'' exile and return themselves. The reasoning is likely similar to that of the creatures Sagas as to reintroduce summoning sickness. *<c>Accursed Witch</c>, <c>Edgar, Charmed Groom</c>, <c>Golden Guardian</c>, <c>Harvest Hand</c>, <c>Loyal Cathar</c>, <c>Vengeful Strangler</c> and the Deepest Gods cycle have triggered abilities which return them to the battlefield transformed when they die. **<c>Biolume Egg</c> has a similar triggered ability, specifically only when sacrificed. *<c>Journey to Eternity</c>, <c>Radiant Grace</c>, and <c>Skin Invasion</c> have triggered abilities that return them to the battlefield transformed when the creature they enchant dies. *<c>Startled Awake</c> has an ability that can be activated from the graveyard, which puts it onto the battlefield transformed. *Cards with [[Disturb]] can be cast from the graveyard and transformed for their disturb cost. To be allowed to play with double-sided cards, the player must either have opaque sleeves for all their cards through which no detail of the cards is visible or use a [[checklist card]] or [[helper card]] to substitute for each double-faced card in the deck. Earlier sets with double-faced cards had a checklist card in some of its [[booster pack]]s. Checklist cards have the regular ''Magic'' card back and list the name and mana cost of all double-faced cards from the set. The player must mark which double-faced card the checklist card is meant to represent on the checklist card, in a manner not visible from the back of the card. The checklist card is shuffled into the deck while the actual double-faced card is kept outside the game. These were unpopular and clunky, with ''[[Shadows over Innistrad]]'' needing two lists, separated by rarity, to fit the full amount. While they were slated to be more prevalent as a supplemental card to avoid problems, it was still entirely possible to not have the rare checklist when opening a rare DFC. Helper cards are more generic, where the player fills in the details necessary such as mana cost and stats, with space for art if desired, which lets them be used as token cards or copies. These were introduced with ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''. One easy way to tell if a double-faced card is transforming as opposed to modal is that each transforming double-faced card will have an ability that either transforms it into its other face or has it enter the battlefield or be cast transformed.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/innistrad-midnight-hunt-mechanics-2021-09-02|''Innistrad: Midnight Hunt'' Mechanics|[[Matt Tabak]]|September 2, 2021}}</ref> The back faces of transforming double-faced cards don't have [[mana cost]]s because they usually can't be cast transformed. If you ever need to know the [[mana value]] of the back face of a transforming double-faced card, use the mana cost of the front face. ==Card rulings== *Double-faced cards can not be turned face down with cards such as <c>Ixidron</c>. When a double-faced card is instructed to be turned face-down, nothing happens. Similarly, if a non-double-faced card is instructed to transform, nothing happens. *If a double-faced card is [[manifest]]ed, it will be put onto the battlefield face down. While face down, it can't [[transform]]. If the front face of the card is a creature card, you can turn it face up by paying its mana cost. If you do, its front face will be up. *When a double-sided card is copied, e.g. with a card like <c>Clone</c>, only the characteristics of the face that is currently visible upon copying are copied. Such copies cannot be transformed, either. *If a card is not in play, the only information relevant and viewable for other cards is the front side of the card. *The [[color identity]] of the card includes both faces. *Except for Professional [[REL]] events (starting from [[Pro Tour Shadows over Innistrad|Pro Tour ''Shadows over Innistrad'']]) that are pre-sleeved, during booster drafts, double-faced cards are revealed to all players at all times until the next pick after that card was picked by any player. They are allowed to reveal the card on either side, however. **For Professional REL events after ''[[Ixalan]],'' unless WotC decided the set should be pre-sleeved (determined by the number and the opening frequency of double-faced cards of the set), all player must reveal their double-faced card opened in their pack (if any) before the draft begins as well for sets involving double-faced cards. **[[Magic Online]]'s draft events involving double-faced cards are no different from draft events having no double-faced cards regardless of event type and set involved. *Transforming a permanent into a land card isn't the same as playing a land. <c>Treasure Cove</c> doesn't enter the battlefield, and it doesn't count as your land play for the turn. ==Triple-faced cards== The non-legal [[Heroes of the Realm]] card <c>Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader</c> is a three-sided card usable in both ''Magic the Gathering'' and ''Transformers'' [[TCG]] games.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/e5ovx5/heroes_of_the_realm_promo_optimus_prime_inspiring/|title=Heroes of the Realm Promo - Optimus Prime, Inspiring Leader|author=[[Drew Nolosco]]|date=December 4, 2019|publisher=Reddit}}</ref> The card is hinged in the center and folds in half. Transformers TCG uses this tech for Combiners and Triple-changer characters.<ref>{{TwitterRef|TransformersTCG|1083498845684658176|author=Transformers TCG|title=For folks who wanted a close look at the dimensions and folding functionality of the Combiner Character Cards, here's a video of a card in action!|date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> The technology has also been used in the [[Hasbro]] ''Duel Masters'' game.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/628551248299409408/when-or-when-tdfcs-triple-double-face-cards|title=When or When: TDFCs (Triple Double Face Cards)?|September 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/673739472213573632/if-or-when-a-three-sided-mdfc-in-a|title=If or when: a three+ "sided" MDFC in a digital-only set?|January 18, 2022}}</ref> The biggest issue with three-sided cards is they’re slightly heavier than normal cards.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/673740152159567872/joking-aside-i-am-genuinely-curious-as-to-whether|title=Do you think 3 sided cards could work in Magic, and if so, is it more when or if?|January 18, 2022}}</ref> ==See also== *[[Substitute card]]s *[[Double-faced token]]s *[[Meld]] **[[Meld card]]s *[[Transform]] *[[Convert]] *[[Specialize]] ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *{{DailyRef|latest-developments/developing-double-faced-cards-2016-05-06|Developing Double-Faced Cards|[[Sam Stoddard]]|May 6, 2016}} *{{DailyRef|news/double-faced-cards-procedure-professional-rel-drafts-2016-05-25|Double-Faced Cards Procedure for Professional REL Drafts|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|May 25, 2016}} {{CR Navbox|700}} [[Category:Cards]]
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