Shadows Over Innistrad Checklist 1How it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

This checklist card acts as a proxy for one specific double-faced card from the Shadows Over Innistrad set. To use it, you must clearly mark the box next to the card name you want it to represent. While in your library or hand, this card functions exactly like the marked card; however, it has no characteristics on its own until you play the actual card it represents.

How to Use It Step by Step

First, mark the checkbox for the specific card, such as Hinterland Logger. Second, place the actual double-faced card inside a clear sleeve or keep it nearby outside your deck. Third, shuffle the checklist card into your deck like any other card. When you draw it or play it, you replace the checklist card with the actual double-faced card on the battlefield or in the graveyard. If the card returns to your hand or library, the checklist card goes back to that zone to maintain a uniform card back.

Common Mistakes

A common error is marking more than one box on a single checklist card; you must only select one card per checklist. Additionally, you must actually own the card you have marked. You cannot use a checklist card to represent a card that is not in your possession or part of your decklist. Finally, remember that the checklist card is only for hidden zones; once the card is on the battlefield, the actual double-faced card must be used.

When to Play It

You should use a checklist card if you are playing without sleeves or with sleeves that are slightly translucent, as double-faced cards would otherwise be visible from the back of the deck. This is a mandatory requirement in competitive play to avoid 'marked cards' penalties. It is also useful for protecting high-value cards from wear and tear during shuffling.

Interaction examples

Representing a Werewolf

Hinterland Logger // Timber Shredder

You mark the box for Hinterland Logger on the checklist. While the checklist is in your library, it is treated as a 2/1 Human Werewolf. When you cast it, you pull the actual Hinterland Logger from your deck box and place it on the battlefield. If it transforms into Timber Shredder, you simply flip the physical card over.

Equipment Interactions

Neglected Heirloom // Ashmouth BladeAvacynian Missionaries // Lunarch Inquisitors

If you have marked Neglected Heirloom on a checklist, you can cast it for one mana. If you then play Avacynian Missionaries (represented by another checklist) and equip it with the Heirloom, the end step trigger will cause the Missionaries to transform. This then triggers the Neglected Heirloom to transform into Ashmouth Blade. Throughout this process, you are using the actual double-faced cards on the battlefield.

Hidden Zone Rules

Uninvited Geist // Unimpeded TrespasserAutumnal Gloom // Ancient of the Equinox

Suppose your opponent casts a spell that forces you to reveal your hand. If you have the checklist card for Uninvited Geist, you reveal it as the Geist. If Autumnal Gloom is in your graveyard (placed there via its mill ability), you must use the actual card in the graveyard so all players can see its characteristics for Delirium.

Combat and Transformation

Breakneck Rider // Neck Breaker

When the checklist card representing Breakneck Rider is on the battlefield, it is replaced by the physical card. During your upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, the physical card transforms into Neck Breaker. If the creature is later returned to your hand by an opponent's spell, you put the checklist card back into your hand and set the physical card aside.