Mana ConferenceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Defining Its Identity

When Mana Conference enters the battlefield, it triggers a triggered ability that requires all players to participate in a secret choice. Players must select one of the five basic land types: Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, or Forest. Once everyone has made a choice, the selections are revealed simultaneously. Mana Conference then gains every basic land type that received at least one vote. Note that if multiple players choose the same type, it still only gains that type once. Because it gains the basic land types themselves, it also inherently gains the intrinsic mana abilities associated with those types, such as '{T}: Add {U}' for Island.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the land enters the battlefield, and its ability is put onto the stack. When the ability resolves, every player (including you) must secretly choose a basic land type. You can write this down or use a hidden die to represent your choice. Next, all players reveal their choices at the same time. Finally, the land's continuous effect applies, granting it the chosen types. If the table chooses Island and Forest, Mana Conference is now both an Island and a Forest, making it searchable by cards that look for those subtypes and allowing it to tap for either Blue or Green mana.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Mana Conference is not a Basic Land itself; it simply has basic land types. It cannot be searched for with an Evolving Wilds. Additionally, players often forget that this land does not have an 'Any Color' ability by default. If no one votes for a specific type, or if everyone votes for a type your deck doesn't use, the land may provide no mana at all. Remember that secret choices are made before the results are revealed, so you cannot change your vote after seeing what your opponents picked.

Strategic Timing

Mana Conference is best played when you have an idea of your opponents' needs. In multiplayer games, you can often coordinate with an ally to ensure the land covers two or more colors you both need. It is also a powerful tool for enabling cards that care about the number of land types you control. Because the choice happens on entry, you should play it early to establish your mana base, but be wary of opponents who might intentionally choose a type you cannot use to limit your options.

Interaction examples

Checking the Orchard

Exotic Orchard

If your opponent controls Mana Conference and the table voted for Island and Swamp, Mana Conference is currently an Island Swamp. When you tap your Exotic Orchard, it can produce Blue or Black mana because those are colors that a land your opponent controls could produce.

Commander's Influence

Command Tower

Mana Conference gaining land types does not change your Commander's color identity. If you are playing a mono-red deck, Command Tower will only ever produce Red mana. Even if your opponents vote for Island on your Mana Conference, your Command Tower cannot produce Blue mana, though the Mana Conference itself will be able to tap for Blue because it gained the Island type.

Unified Voting

In a four-player game, if Player A and B choose Forest, Player C chooses Mountain, and Player D chooses Plains, Mana Conference enters and becomes a Forest Mountain Plains. It can now be tapped for Green, Red, or White mana. The duplicate Forest votes do not grant extra abilities; they simply ensure the Forest type is present.