Scintillating Encore is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Target creature you control perpetually gets +2/+0. When that creature dies this turn, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control.
Complete guide
Scintillating Encore is a versatile hybrid instant that offers both an immediate offensive boost and a safety net for your most important creatures. By utilizing the 'perpetually' mechanic, this card ensures your creature returns stronger than before, even if it leaves the battlefield and returns. This guide explores how to maximize its impact during combat and in the face of removal.
What it Does
Scintillating Encore performs two distinct functions. First, it applies a perpetual +2/+0 buff to a creature you control, which means the bonus persists even if the card changes zones (like moving to the graveyard and back). Second, it creates a delayed trigger that watches for the creature's death during the current turn, returning it to the battlefield tapped if it dies.
Step-by-Step Resolution
When you cast the spell, you target a creature you control. Upon resolution, the +2/+0 bonus is immediately applied. A 'When that creature dies this turn' trigger is then active until the end of the turn. If the creature is put into the graveyard from the battlefield, the trigger goes on the stack and, when it resolves, the card returns to the battlefield tapped. Note that the perpetual +2/+0 remains on the creature even after it returns.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is misunderstanding the 'dies' trigger. If the creature is exiled or returned to your hand, Scintillating Encore will not bring it back, as 'dies' specifically refers to moving from the battlefield to the graveyard. Furthermore, if the creature is destroyed but you no longer control the spell's resolution (due to it being countered), neither the buff nor the recursion will occur.
When to Play It
The best time to cast Scintillating Encore is during the declare blockers step or in response to a destruction spell. This allows you to trade up in combat using the extra power or effectively 'counter' a removal spell by ensuring your creature comes right back. Since it costs hybrid mana, it fits easily into white, black, or Orzhov decks.
Interaction examples
You attack with a 2/2 creature, and your opponent blocks with a 4/4. You cast Scintillating Encore on your creature. It becomes a 4/2 perpetually. Both creatures die in combat. Because Scintillating Encore's effect was active, your creature returns to the battlefield tapped as a 4/2, ready for the next turn.
Swords to PlowsharesYou cast Scintillating Encore on your creature. In response or later that turn, your opponent casts Swords to Plowshares. Since Swords to Plowshares exiles the creature instead of destroying it, the creature does not 'die'. It stays in exile, and the return-to-battlefield effect of Scintillating Encore never triggers.
Path to ExileSimilar to other exile effects, if an opponent targets your creature with Path to Exile, Scintillating Encore will successfully grant the perpetual +2/+0, but it will not bring the creature back if it is exiled. Always ensure your creature is heading to the graveyard if you want to see it return.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Scintillating Encore
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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Meta decks with Scintillating Encore
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