MTG Wiki
Register
(Update to legendary statement)
No edit summary
(34 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
[[File:Akki Lavarunner.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Flip card: Akki Lavarunner]]
{{Navigation CR|700}}
 
'''Flip cards''' are two cards in one. When something is triggered, the card is flipped and becomes the "other" part of the card. Flip cards were introduced in the [[Kamigawa block]]. The ''Champions of Kamigawa'' set contained ten "heroes" that are easily recognizable by their unique card frame. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr142|Flipping Out|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 20, 2004}}</ref>
 
   
  +
:''This article is about the cards that appeared in the Kamigawa block. For the cards that premiered in Innistrad block that are sometimes colloquially referred to as "flip cards", see [[double-faced card]].''
  +
  +
'''Flip cards''' are two cards in one. When something is triggered, the card is flipped and becomes the "other" part of the card.
  +
{{TOCright}}
  +
==History==
  +
Flip cards were featured in the [[Kamigawa block]] and are easily recognizable by their unique [[card frame]].<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/flipping-out-2004-09-20|Flipping Out|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 20, 2004}}</ref> The ''Champions of Kamigawa'' set contained ten characters that became "[[hero]]es", ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]'' five characters that became [[spirit]]s and ''[[Saviors of Kamigawa]]'' five [[monk]]s that became [[enchantment]]s.
  +
  +
Now that [[double-faced card]]s exist, [[R&D]] has no plans to do any more flip cards.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/134508036098/in-lieu-of-what-was-mentioned-about-triple-faced|title=Odds about a double faced card of which one or both sides is also a flip card?|December 03, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/159623655468/do-you-think-well-ever-see-flip-cards-like|title=Do you think we'll ever see flip cards like Kamigawa's again?|April 15, 2017}}</ref> They are considered a failure.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/166690016503/if-youre-making-a-supplemental-set-eg-unstable|title=Do you consider flip cards, or does their inelegance when compared to DFCs make you just want to avoid them entirely?|October 22, 2017}}</ref>
  +
 
==Rules==
 
You ignore the information on the bottom half of the card until the creature in play "flips" when certain heroic conditions are met. When you flip a hero, you turn it upside down and play with the other half of the card. All of the flipped versions are legendary and have powerful abilities.
 
You ignore the information on the bottom half of the card until the creature in play "flips" when certain heroic conditions are met. When you flip a hero, you turn it upside down and play with the other half of the card. All of the flipped versions are legendary and have powerful abilities.
  +
{{Rules|
 
  +
{{CR+G|Flip Cards}}
text = '''From the [[Comprehensive Rules]]'''
 
  +
{{CR|glossary|Flipped}}
* '''709.''' Flip Cards
 
  +
{{CR|glossary|Unflipped}}
**'''709.1.''' Flip cards have a two-part card frame on a single card. The text that appears right side up on the card defines the card’s normal characteristics. Additional alternative characteristics appear upside down on the card. The back of a flip card is the normal Magic card back.
 
***'''709.1a''' The top half of a flip card contains the card’s normal name, text box, type line, power, and toughness. The text box usually contains an ability that causes the permanent to “flip” if certain conditions are met.
 
***'''709.1b''' The bottom half of a flip card contains an alternative name, text box, type line, power, and toughness. These characteristics are used only if the permanent is in play and only if the permanent is flipped.
 
***'''709.1c''' A flip card’s color, mana cost, expansion symbol, illustration credit, and legal text don’t change if the permanent is flipped. Also, any changes to it by external effects will still apply.
 
**'''709.2.''' In every zone other than the battlefield, and also on the battlefield before the permanent flips, a flip card has only the normal characteristics of the card. Once a permanent is flipped, its normal name, text box, type line, power, and toughness don’t apply and the alternative versions of those characteristics apply instead. {{CR Example|<c>Akki Lavarunner</c> is a nonlegendary creature that flips into a legendary creature named Tok-Tok, Volcano Born. An effect that says “search for library for a legendary card” can’t find this flip card. An effect that says “legendary creatures get +2/+2” doesn’t affect Akki Lavarunner, but it does affect Tok-Tok.}}
 
**'''709.3.''' You must ensure that it’s clear at all times whether a permanent you control is flipped or not, both when it’s untapped and when it’s tapped. Common methods for distinguishing between flipped and unflipped permanents include using coins or dice to mark flipped objects.
 
**'''709.4.''' Flipping a permanent is a one-way process. Once a permanent is flipped, it’s impossible for it to become unflipped. However, if a flipped permanent leaves play, it retains no memory of its status. See rule 110.6.
 
**'''709.5.''' If an effect instructs a player to name a card and the player wants to name a flip card’s alternative name, the player may do so.
 
|}}
 
   
 
==Rulings==
 
==Rulings==
 
*Only the characteristics name, type, subtype, supertype, rules text, abilities, power, and toughness are affected by flipping a permanent. The mana cost and expansion symbol are printed on only one side each but apply to the permanent regardless of whether it has been flipped.
 
*Only the characteristics name, type, subtype, supertype, rules text, abilities, power, and toughness are affected by flipping a permanent. The mana cost and expansion symbol are printed on only one side each but apply to the permanent regardless of whether it has been flipped.
*When you flip a permanent, any counters or other effects remain on it. So if a creature with 1/1 printed on the normal side and 2/3 printed on the flipped side has a +1/+1 counter on it, it changes from a 2/2 to a 3/4.
+
*When you flip a permanent, any counters or other effects remain on it. So if a creature with 1/2 printed on the normal side and 2/3 printed on the flipped side has a +1/+1 counter on it, it changes from a 2/3 to a 3/4.
 
*Flipping a flip permanent a second time has no effect. To "flip" a permanent means to change it from the top half to the bottom half, not to change it from one side to the other.
 
*Flipping a flip permanent a second time has no effect. To "flip" a permanent means to change it from the top half to the bottom half, not to change it from one side to the other.
 
*When one of the Champions of Kamigawa flip creatures flips, it becomes legendary. If more than one legendary permanents with the same name and the same controller are in play at the same time, its controller chooses one of them and put all the other in their owners' graveyards.
 
*When one of the Champions of Kamigawa flip creatures flips, it becomes legendary. If more than one legendary permanents with the same name and the same controller are in play at the same time, its controller chooses one of them and put all the other in their owners' graveyards.
Line 27: Line 28:
 
All flip cards are from the [[Kamigawa block]].
 
All flip cards are from the [[Kamigawa block]].
 
*From ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]''
 
*From ''[[Champions of Kamigawa]]''
**<c>Bushi Tenderfoot</c>/<c>Kenzo the Hardhearted</c> {{w}} Uncommon. When a creature dealt damage by 1/1 Bushi Tenderfoot dies that turn, Bushi Tenderfoot becomes Tomoya The Revealer, a 3/4 Legendary Samurai with [[Double strike]] and [[Bushido]] 2.
+
**<c>Bushi Tenderfoot</c>/<c>Kenzo the Hardhearted</c> {{W}} Uncommon. When a creature dealt damage by 1/1 Bushi Tenderfoot dies that turn, Bushi Tenderfoot becomes Kenzo the Hardhearted, a 3/4 Legendary Samurai with [[Double strike]] and [[Bushido]] 2.
**<c>Kitsune Mystic</c>/<c>Autumn-Tail, Kitsune Sage</c> {{3}}{{w}} Rare. when 2/3 Mystic is enchanted with 2 creature enchantments, at end of turn it becomes Autumn-Tail, a 4/5 legendary Fox Wizard, with ''{{1}}: Move target creature enchantment to another creature.''
+
**<c>Kitsune Mystic</c>/<c>Autumn-Tail, Kitsune Sage</c> {{3}}{{W}} Rare. when 2/3 Mystic is enchanted with 2 creature enchantments, at end of turn it becomes Autumn-Tail, a 4/5 legendary Fox Wizard, with ''{{1}}: Move target creature enchantment to another creature.''
**<c>Student of Elements</c>/<c>Tobita, Master of Winds</c> {{1}}{{u}} Uncommon. When 1/1 Student has flying, it flips into 3/3 Tobita, a Legendary Human Wizard with ''Creatures you control have flying.''
+
**<c>Student of Elements</c>/<c>Tobita, Master of Winds</c> {{1}}{{U}} Uncommon. When 1/1 Student has flying, it flips into 3/3 Tobita, a Legendary Human Wizard with ''Creatures you control have flying.''
**<c>Jushi Apprentice</c>/<c>Tomoya the Revealer</c> {{1}}{{u}} Rare. The 1/2 Apprentice has ''{{2}}{{u}},{{t}}: Draw a card. If you have 9 or more cards in hand, flip Jushi Apprentice.'' When flipped, it becomes Tomoya, a 2/3 legendary Human Wizard with ''{{3}}{{u}}{{u}},{{t}}: Draw X cards, where X is the number of cards in your hand.''
+
**<c>Jushi Apprentice</c>/<c>Tomoya the Revealer</c> {{1}}{{U}} Rare. The 1/2 Apprentice has ''{{2}}{{U}},{{T}}: Draw a card. If you have 9 or more cards in hand, flip Jushi Apprentice.'' When flipped, it becomes Tomoya, a 2/3 legendary Human Wizard with ''{{3}}{{U}}{{U}},{{T}}: Target player draws X cards, where X is the number of cards in your hand.''
**<c>Nezumi Graverobber</c>/<c>Nighteyes the Desecrator</c> {{1}}{{b}} Uncommon. The 2/1 Graverobber has ''{{1}}{{b}}: Exile target card in an opponent's graveyard. If no cards are in that graveyard, flip Nezumi Graverobber.'' It flips into 4/2 Nighteyes, a legendary Rat Wizard with ''{{4}}{{b}}: Put target creature card in a graveyard into play under your control.''
+
**<c>Nezumi Graverobber</c>/<c>Nighteyes the Desecrator</c> {{1}}{{B}} Uncommon. The 2/1 Graverobber has ''{{1}}{{B}}: Exile target card in an opponent's graveyard. If no cards are in that graveyard, flip Nezumi Graverobber.'' It flips into 4/2 Nighteyes, a legendary Rat Wizard with ''{{4}}{{B}}: Put target creature card in a graveyard into play under your control.''
**<c>Nezumi Shortfang</c>/<c>Stabwhisker the Odious</c> {{1}}{{b}} Rare. 1/1 Shortfang has ''{{1}}{{b}},{{t}}: Target opponent discards a card. Then if that player has no cards in hand, flip Nezumi Shortfang." It becomes Stabwhisker, a 3/3 legendary Rat Shaman with ''At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, that player loses 1 life for each card fewer than three in his or her hand.''
+
**<c>Nezumi Shortfang</c>/<c>Stabwhisker the Odious</c> {{1}}{{B}} Rare. 1/1 Shortfang has ''{{1}}{{B}},{{T}}: Target opponent discards a card. Then if that player has no cards in hand, flip Nezumi Shortfang." It becomes Stabwhisker, a 3/3 legendary Rat Shaman with ''At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, that player loses 1 life for each card fewer than three in their hand.
**<c>Initiate of Blood</c>/<c>Goka the Unjust</c> {{3}}{{r}} Uncommon. 2/2 Initiate has ''{{t}}: Initiate of Blood deals 1 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn. When that creature is put into a graveyard this turn, flip Initiate of Blood.'' It becomes Goka the Unjust, a 4/4 legendary Ogre Shaman with ''{{t}}: Goka the Unjust deals 4 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn.''
+
**<c>Initiate of Blood</c>/<c>Goka the Unjust</c> {{3}}{{R}} Uncommon. 2/2 Initiate has ''{{T}}: Initiate of Blood deals 1 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn. When that creature is put into a graveyard this turn, flip Initiate of Blood.'' It becomes Goka the Unjust, a 4/4 legendary Ogre Shaman with ''{{T}}: Goka the Unjust deals 4 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn.''
**<c>Akki Lavarunner</c>/<c>Tok-Tok, Volcano Born</c> {{3}}{{r}} Rare. The 1/1 Akki Lavarunner has [[haste]] and ''When Akki Lavarunner deals damage to an opponent, flip Akki Lavarunner.'' It becomes 2/2 Tok-Tok, a legendary Goblin Shaman with ''[[Protection|Protection from red]]'' and ''If a red source would deal damage to a player, it deals that much damage plus 1 to that player instead.''
+
**<c>Akki Lavarunner</c>/<c>Tok-Tok, Volcano Born</c> {{3}}{{R}} Rare. The 1/1 Akki Lavarunner has [[haste]] and ''When Akki Lavarunner deals damage to an opponent, flip Akki Lavarunner.'' It becomes 2/2 Tok-Tok, a legendary Goblin Shaman with ''[[Protection|Protection from red]]'' and ''If a red source would deal damage to a player, it deals that much damage plus 1 to that player instead.''
**<c>Orochi Eggwatcher</c>/<c>Shidako, Broodmistress</c> {{2}}{{g}} Uncommon. The 1/1 Eggwatcher has ''{{2}}{{g}},{{t}}: Put a 1/1 green Snake creature into play. If you have ten or more creatures, flip Orochi Eggwatcher.'' It flips into Shidako, a 2/2 legendary Snake Shaman with ''{{g}}, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.''
+
**<c>Orochi Eggwatcher</c>/<c>Shidako, Broodmistress</c> {{2}}{{G}} Uncommon. The 1/1 Eggwatcher has ''{{2}}{{G}},{{T}}: Put a 1/1 green Snake creature into play. If you have ten or more creatures, flip Orochi Eggwatcher.'' It flips into Shidako, a 2/2 legendary Snake Shaman with ''{{G}}, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.''
**<c>Budoka Gardener</c>/<c>Dokai, Weaver of Life</c> {{1}}{{g}} Rare. The 2/1 Gardener has ''{{t}}: You may put a land card from your hand into play. If you control ten or more lands, flip Budoka Gardener.'' It becomes Dokai, a 3/3 legendary Human Monk with ''{{4}}{{g}}{{g}}, {{t}}: Put an X/X green Elemental creature token in to play, where X is the number of lands you control.''
+
**<c>Budoka Gardener</c>/<c>Dokai, Weaver of Life</c> {{1}}{{G}} Rare. The 2/1 Gardener has ''{{T}}: You may put a land card from your hand into play. If you control ten or more lands, flip Budoka Gardener.'' It becomes Dokai, a 3/3 legendary Human Monk with ''{{4}}{{G}}{{G}}, {{T}}: Put an X/X green Elemental creature token in to play, where X is the number of lands you control.''
*From ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]'' <ref>{{DailyRef|mtgcom/daily/mr159|Flip Service|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 17, 2005}}</ref>
+
*From ''[[Betrayers of Kamigawa]]'' <ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/flip-service-2005-01-17|Flip Service|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 17, 2005}}</ref>
:''All of these cards are based on playing two spirit or arcane spells, which gives the card two "ki" counters and allows them to flip into a legendary [[Spirit]] creature at end of turn. The ki counters may then be removed from the flipped creature for an effect. The flip cards in this block are all uncommons that cost {{1}}CC (where C represents a colored mana), and start as 2/2 creatures.''
+
:''All of these cards are based on playing two spirit or arcane spells, which gives the card two "ki" counters and allows them to flip into a legendary [[Spirit]] creature at end of turn. The ki counters may then be removed from the flipped creature for an effect. The flip cards in this block are all uncommons that cost {{1}}MM (where M represents a colored mana), and start as 2/2 creatures.''
**<c>Faithful Squire</c>/<c>Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty</c> {{1}}{{w}}{{w}} Uncommon. Faithful Squire is a 2/2 Human Soldier. Kaiso is a 3/4 legendary spirit with [[flying]] and ''Remove a ki counter: prevent all damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.''
+
**<c>Faithful Squire</c>/<c>Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty</c> {{1}}{{W}}{{W}} Uncommon. Faithful Squire is a 2/2 Human Soldier. Kaiso is a 3/4 legendary spirit with [[flying]] and ''Remove a ki counter: prevent all damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.''
**<c>Callow Jushi</c>/<c>Jaraku the Interloper</c> {{1}}{{u}}{{u}} Uncommon. Callow Jushi is a 2/2 Human Wizard. Jaraku is a 3/4 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {{2}}.''
+
**<c>Callow Jushi</c>/<c>Jaraku the Interloper</c> {{1}}{{U}}{{U}} Uncommon. Callow Jushi is a 2/2 Human Wizard. Jaraku is a 3/4 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {{2}}.''
**<c>Hired Muscle</c>/<c>Scarmaker</c> {{1}}{{b}}{{b}} Uncommon. Hired Muscle is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Scarmaker is a 4/4 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Target creature gains fear until end of turn.''
+
**<c>Hired Muscle</c>/<c>Scarmaker</c> {{1}}{{B}}{{B}} Uncommon. Hired Muscle is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Scarmaker is a 4/4 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Target creature gains fear until end of turn.''
**<c>Cunning Bandit</c>/<c>Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate</c> {{1}}{{r}}{{r}} Uncommon. Cunning Bandit is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Azamuki is a 5/2 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Gain control of target creature until end of turn.''
+
**<c>Cunning Bandit</c>/<c>Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate</c> {{1}}{{R}}{{R}} Uncommon. Cunning Bandit is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Azamuki is a 5/2 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Gain control of target creature until end of turn.''
**<c>Budoka Pupil</c>/<c>Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks</c> {{1}}{{g}}{{g}} Uncommon. Budoka Pupil is a 2/2 Human Monk. Ichiga is a 4/3 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.''
+
**<c>Budoka Pupil</c>/<c>Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks</c> {{1}}{{G}}{{G}} Uncommon. Budoka Pupil is a 2/2 Human Monk. Ichiga is a 4/3 legendary spirit with ''Remove a ki counter: Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.''
   
 
*From ''[[Saviors of Kamigawa]]''
 
*From ''[[Saviors of Kamigawa]]''
 
:''All of these flip cards are rares that start as legendary Monk creatures with a flip trigger. When flipped, they become [[Legendary]] [[enchantment]]s with a somewhat-related static ability.''
 
:''All of these flip cards are rares that start as legendary Monk creatures with a flip trigger. When flipped, they become [[Legendary]] [[enchantment]]s with a somewhat-related static ability.''
  +
**<c>Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant</c>/<c>Rune-Tail's Essence</c>. {{2}}{{w}} Rare. Rune-Tail is a 2/2 legendary Fox Monk that flips when you have 30 or more life. Rune-Tail's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Prevent all damage that would be dealt to creatures you control.''
 
**<c>Erayo, Soratami Ascendant</c>/<c>Erayo's Essence</c>. {{1}}{{u}} Rare. Erayo is a 1/1 legendary Moonfolk Monk with flying that flips when the fourth spell of a turn is played. Erayo's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Counter the first spell played by each opponent each turn.''
+
**<c>Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant</c>/<c>Rune-Tail's Essence</c>. {{2}}{{W}} Rare. Rune-Tail is a 2/2 legendary Fox Monk that flips when you have 30 or more life. Rune-Tail's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Prevent all damage that would be dealt to creatures you control.''
**<c>Kuon, Ogre Ascendant</c>/<c>Kuon's Essence</c>. {{b}}{{b}}{{b}} Rare. Kuon is a 2/4 legendary Ogre Monk which flips at the end of any turn in which three creatures were put into graveyards from play. Kuon's Essence is a legendary enchantment which requires each player to sacrifice a creature at the beginning of his or her upkeep.
+
**<c>Erayo, Soratami Ascendant</c>/<c>Erayo's Essence</c>. {{1}}{{U}} Rare. Erayo is a 1/1 legendary Moonfolk Monk with flying that flips when the fourth spell of a turn is played. Erayo's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Counter the first spell played by each opponent each turn.''
**<c>Homura, Human Ascendant</c>/<c>Homura's Essence</c>. {{4}}{{r}}{{r}} Rare. Homura is a 4/4 legendary Human Monk which can't block. When Homura is put into a graveyard from play, it returns to play as Homura's Essence, a legendary enchantment with ''Creatures you control get +2/+2, flying, and gain "{{r}}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn."''
+
**<c>Kuon, Ogre Ascendant</c>/<c>Kuon's Essence</c>. {{B}}{{B}}{{B}} Rare. Kuon is a 2/4 legendary Ogre Monk which flips at the end of any turn in which three creatures were put into graveyards from play. Kuon's Essence is a legendary enchantment which requires each player to sacrifice a creature at the beginning of their upkeep.
**<c>Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant</c>/<c>Sasaya's Essence</c>. {{1}}{{g}}{{g}} Rare. Sasaya is a 2/3 legendary Snake Monk which flips when you reveal your hand containing seven or more lands. Sasaya's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Whenever a land you control is tapped for mana, for each other land you control with the same name, add one mana to your mana pool of any type that land produced.''
+
**<c>Homura, Human Ascendant</c>/<c>Homura's Essence</c>. {{4}}{{R}}{{R}} Rare. Homura is a 4/4 legendary Human Monk which can't block. When Homura is put into a graveyard from play, it returns to play as Homura's Essence, a legendary enchantment with ''Creatures you control get +2/+2, flying, and gain "{{R}}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn."''
 
**<c>Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant</c>/<c>Sasaya's Essence</c>. {{1}}{{G}}{{G}} Rare. Sasaya is a 2/3 legendary Snake Monk which flips when you reveal your hand containing seven or more lands. Sasaya's Essence is a legendary enchantment with ''Whenever a land you control is tapped for mana, for each other land you control with the same name, add one mana of any type that land produced.''
  +
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
{{CR Navbox|700}}
 
[[Category:Cards]]
 
[[Category:Cards]]
[[Category:Magic rules]]
+
[[Category:Deprecated mechanics]]

Revision as of 16:58, 27 July 2020

Akki Lavarunner

Flip card: Akki Lavarunner

This article is about the cards that appeared in the Kamigawa block. For the cards that premiered in Innistrad block that are sometimes colloquially referred to as "flip cards", see double-faced card.

Flip cards are two cards in one. When something is triggered, the card is flipped and becomes the "other" part of the card.

History

Flip cards were featured in the Kamigawa block and are easily recognizable by their unique card frame.[1] The Champions of Kamigawa set contained ten characters that became "heroes", Betrayers of Kamigawa five characters that became spirits and Saviors of Kamigawa five monks that became enchantments.

Now that double-faced cards exist, R&D has no plans to do any more flip cards.[2][3] They are considered a failure.[4]

Rules

You ignore the information on the bottom half of the card until the creature in play "flips" when certain heroic conditions are met. When you flip a hero, you turn it upside down and play with the other half of the card. All of the flipped versions are legendary and have powerful abilities.

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (March 8, 2024—Fallout)

Flip Cards
Cards with a two-part card frame (one part of which is printed upside down) on a single card. See rule 710, “Flip Cards.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (March 8, 2024—Fallout)

  • 710. Flip Cards
    • 710.1. Flip cards have a two-part card frame on a single card. The text that appears right side up on the card defines the card’s normal characteristics. Additional alternative characteristics appear upside down on the card. The back of a flip card is the normal Magic card back.
      • 710.1a The top half of a flip card contains the card’s normal name, text box, type line, power, and toughness. The text box usually contains an ability that causes the permanent to “flip” if certain conditions are met.
      • 710.1b The bottom half of a flip card contains an alternative name, text box, type line, power, and toughness. These characteristics are used only if the permanent is on the battlefield and only if the permanent is flipped.
      • 710.1c A flip card’s color and mana cost don’t change if the permanent is flipped. Also, any changes to it by external effects will still apply.
    • 710.2. In every zone other than the battlefield, and also on the battlefield before the permanent flips, a flip card has only the normal characteristics of the card. Once a permanent is flipped, its normal name, text box, type line, power, and toughness don’t apply and the alternative versions of those characteristics apply instead.

      Example: Akki Lavarunner is a nonlegendary creature that flips into a legendary creature named Tok-Tok, Volcano Born. An effect that says “Search your library for a legendary card” can’t find this flip card. An effect that says “Legendary creatures get +2/+2” doesn’t affect Akki Lavarunner, but it does affect Tok-Tok.

    • 710.3. You must ensure that it’s clear at all times whether a permanent you control is flipped or not, both when it’s untapped and when it’s tapped. Common methods for distinguishing between flipped and unflipped permanents include using coins or dice to mark flipped objects.
    • 710.4. Flipping a permanent is a one-way process. Once a permanent is flipped, it’s impossible for it to become unflipped. However, if a flipped permanent leaves the battlefield, it retains no memory of its status. See rule 110.5.
    • 710.5. If an effect instructs a player to choose a card name and the player wants to choose a flip card’s alternative name, the player may do so.

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (March 8, 2024—Fallout)

Flipped
A status a permanent may have. See rule 110.5 and rule 710, “Flip Cards.” See also Unflipped.

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (March 8, 2024—Fallout)

Unflipped
A default status a permanent may have. See rule 110.5 and rule 710, “Flip Cards.” See also Flipped.

Rulings

  • Only the characteristics name, type, subtype, supertype, rules text, abilities, power, and toughness are affected by flipping a permanent. The mana cost and expansion symbol are printed on only one side each but apply to the permanent regardless of whether it has been flipped.
  • When you flip a permanent, any counters or other effects remain on it. So if a creature with 1/2 printed on the normal side and 2/3 printed on the flipped side has a +1/+1 counter on it, it changes from a 2/3 to a 3/4.
  • Flipping a flip permanent a second time has no effect. To "flip" a permanent means to change it from the top half to the bottom half, not to change it from one side to the other.
  • When one of the Champions of Kamigawa flip creatures flips, it becomes legendary. If more than one legendary permanents with the same name and the same controller are in play at the same time, its controller chooses one of them and put all the other in their owners' graveyards.
  • If you're asked to name a card, you can name either side of a flip card. However, the card only has its normal name unless it's in play and has flipped.
  • If you copy a flipped permanent, you get the normal, unflipped version. That copy may flip later if certain conditions are met.

List of flip cards

All flip cards are from the Kamigawa block.

  • From Champions of Kamigawa
    • Bushi Tenderfoot/Kenzo the Hardhearted {W} Uncommon. When a creature dealt damage by 1/1 Bushi Tenderfoot dies that turn, Bushi Tenderfoot becomes Kenzo the Hardhearted, a 3/4 Legendary Samurai with Double strike and Bushido 2.
    • Kitsune Mystic/Autumn-Tail, Kitsune Sage {3}{W} Rare. when 2/3 Mystic is enchanted with 2 creature enchantments, at end of turn it becomes Autumn-Tail, a 4/5 legendary Fox Wizard, with {1}: Move target creature enchantment to another creature.
    • Student of Elements/Tobita, Master of Winds {1}{U} Uncommon. When 1/1 Student has flying, it flips into 3/3 Tobita, a Legendary Human Wizard with Creatures you control have flying.
    • Jushi Apprentice/Tomoya the Revealer {1}{U} Rare. The 1/2 Apprentice has {2}{U},{T}: Draw a card. If you have 9 or more cards in hand, flip Jushi Apprentice. When flipped, it becomes Tomoya, a 2/3 legendary Human Wizard with {3}{U}{U},{T}: Target player draws X cards, where X is the number of cards in your hand.
    • Nezumi Graverobber/Nighteyes the Desecrator {1}{B} Uncommon. The 2/1 Graverobber has {1}{B}: Exile target card in an opponent's graveyard. If no cards are in that graveyard, flip Nezumi Graverobber. It flips into 4/2 Nighteyes, a legendary Rat Wizard with {4}{B}: Put target creature card in a graveyard into play under your control.
    • Nezumi Shortfang/Stabwhisker the Odious {1}{B} Rare. 1/1 Shortfang has {1}{B},{T}: Target opponent discards a card. Then if that player has no cards in hand, flip Nezumi Shortfang." It becomes Stabwhisker, a 3/3 legendary Rat Shaman with At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, that player loses 1 life for each card fewer than three in their hand.
    • Initiate of Blood/Goka the Unjust {3}{R} Uncommon. 2/2 Initiate has {T}: Initiate of Blood deals 1 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn. When that creature is put into a graveyard this turn, flip Initiate of Blood. It becomes Goka the Unjust, a 4/4 legendary Ogre Shaman with {T}: Goka the Unjust deals 4 damage to target creature that was dealt damage this turn.
    • Akki Lavarunner/Tok-Tok, Volcano Born {3}{R} Rare. The 1/1 Akki Lavarunner has haste and When Akki Lavarunner deals damage to an opponent, flip Akki Lavarunner. It becomes 2/2 Tok-Tok, a legendary Goblin Shaman with Protection from red and If a red source would deal damage to a player, it deals that much damage plus 1 to that player instead.
    • Orochi Eggwatcher/Shidako, Broodmistress {2}{G} Uncommon. The 1/1 Eggwatcher has {2}{G},{T}: Put a 1/1 green Snake creature into play. If you have ten or more creatures, flip Orochi Eggwatcher. It flips into Shidako, a 2/2 legendary Snake Shaman with {G}, Sacrifice a creature: Target creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.
    • Budoka Gardener/Dokai, Weaver of Life {1}{G} Rare. The 2/1 Gardener has {T}: You may put a land card from your hand into play. If you control ten or more lands, flip Budoka Gardener. It becomes Dokai, a 3/3 legendary Human Monk with {4}{G}{G}, {T}: Put an X/X green Elemental creature token in to play, where X is the number of lands you control.
  • From Betrayers of Kamigawa [5]
All of these cards are based on playing two spirit or arcane spells, which gives the card two "ki" counters and allows them to flip into a legendary Spirit creature at end of turn. The ki counters may then be removed from the flipped creature for an effect. The flip cards in this block are all uncommons that cost {1}MM (where M represents a colored mana), and start as 2/2 creatures.
    • Faithful Squire/Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty {1}{W}{W} Uncommon. Faithful Squire is a 2/2 Human Soldier. Kaiso is a 3/4 legendary spirit with flying and Remove a ki counter: prevent all damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn.
    • Callow Jushi/Jaraku the Interloper {1}{U}{U} Uncommon. Callow Jushi is a 2/2 Human Wizard. Jaraku is a 3/4 legendary spirit with Remove a ki counter: Counter target spell unless its controller pays {2}.
    • Hired Muscle/Scarmaker {1}{B}{B} Uncommon. Hired Muscle is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Scarmaker is a 4/4 legendary spirit with Remove a ki counter: Target creature gains fear until end of turn.
    • Cunning Bandit/Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate {1}{R}{R} Uncommon. Cunning Bandit is a 2/2 Human Warrior. Azamuki is a 5/2 legendary spirit with Remove a ki counter: Gain control of target creature until end of turn.
    • Budoka Pupil/Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks {1}{G}{G} Uncommon. Budoka Pupil is a 2/2 Human Monk. Ichiga is a 4/3 legendary spirit with Remove a ki counter: Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
All of these flip cards are rares that start as legendary Monk creatures with a flip trigger. When flipped, they become Legendary enchantments with a somewhat-related static ability.
    • Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant/Rune-Tail's Essence. {2}{W} Rare. Rune-Tail is a 2/2 legendary Fox Monk that flips when you have 30 or more life. Rune-Tail's Essence is a legendary enchantment with Prevent all damage that would be dealt to creatures you control.
    • Erayo, Soratami Ascendant/Erayo's Essence. {1}{U} Rare. Erayo is a 1/1 legendary Moonfolk Monk with flying that flips when the fourth spell of a turn is played. Erayo's Essence is a legendary enchantment with Counter the first spell played by each opponent each turn.
    • Kuon, Ogre Ascendant/Kuon's Essence. {B}{B}{B} Rare. Kuon is a 2/4 legendary Ogre Monk which flips at the end of any turn in which three creatures were put into graveyards from play. Kuon's Essence is a legendary enchantment which requires each player to sacrifice a creature at the beginning of their upkeep.
    • Homura, Human Ascendant/Homura's Essence. {4}{R}{R} Rare. Homura is a 4/4 legendary Human Monk which can't block. When Homura is put into a graveyard from play, it returns to play as Homura's Essence, a legendary enchantment with Creatures you control get +2/+2, flying, and gain "{R}: This creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn."
    • Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant/Sasaya's Essence. {1}{G}{G} Rare. Sasaya is a 2/3 legendary Snake Monk which flips when you reveal your hand containing seven or more lands. Sasaya's Essence is a legendary enchantment with Whenever a land you control is tapped for mana, for each other land you control with the same name, add one mana of any type that land produced.

References