Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 1

The ability can target a tapped permanent. If the targeted permanent is already tapped when it resolves, that permanent just remains tapped and doesn’t untap during its controller’s next untap step.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 2

Tamiyo’s first ability tracks the permanent, but not its controller. If the permanent changes controllers before its first controller’s next untap step has come around, then it won’t untap during its new controller’s next untap step.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 3

The number of tapped creatures the player controls is determined when Tamiyo’s second ability resolves.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 4

Tamiyo’s third ability creates one emblem with two abilities.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 5

If you activate Tamiyo’s third ability when she has eight loyalty counters on her, she’ll be put into your graveyard before the emblem is created. She won’t return to your hand.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage — ruling 6

Cards that are put into your graveyard can be returned to your hand by the emblem’s ability even if they were never in your hand.

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage 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

+1: Tap target permanent. It doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step. −2: Draw a card for each tapped creature target player controls. −8: You get an emblem with "You have no maximum hand size" and "Whenever a card is put into your graveyard from anywhere, you may return it to your hand."

Complete guide

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage is a master of ice and knowledge, capable of freezing threats in their tracks while fueling your hand with new resources. Whether you are locking down an opponent's best creature or striving for her game-breaking ultimate, she is a powerful ally in any blue deck. Understanding her timing and loyalty abilities is key to mastering the moon's secrets.

Tapping and Locking

Tamiyo's first ability targets a permanent and prevents it from untapping during its controller's next untap step. It is important to note that this ability can target a permanent that is already tapped. If the permanent changes controllers, the effect follows it, meaning it will not untap during the new controller's next untap step either.

Drawing from the Tapped

Her second ability provides card draw based on the number of tapped creatures a target player controls. The count of these creatures is determined at the moment the ability resolves, not when it is activated. This makes it a perfect follow-up to a large attack or a mass-tap effect.

The Infinite Knowledge Emblem

Tamiyo's ultimate creates a single emblem with two powerful effects: it removes your maximum hand size and allows you to return any card put into your graveyard back to your hand. This includes cards discarded, milled, or spells that have finished resolving. However, if you use this ability to lower Tamiyo's loyalty to zero, she is put into the graveyard before the emblem is created, meaning she cannot return herself to your hand.

Strategic Timing

Players often make the mistake of thinking the emblem's return ability is mandatory. It is a 'may' ability, giving you choice. Additionally, since the first ability 'tracks' the permanent, it is one of the most effective ways to neutralize non-land permanents that have powerful activated abilities requiring them to tap.

Interaction examples

Recursive Knowledge

Tamiyo, the Moon Sage Emblem

Jace, Wielder of Mysteries

With the Tamiyo, the Moon Sage Emblem active, you activate the +1 ability of Jace, Wielder of Mysteries to mill two cards. As those cards hit the graveyard, the emblem triggers twice, allowing you to put both cards back into your hand immediately.

Protecting the Sage

Ugin, the Ineffable

If your opponent controls Ugin, the Ineffable, you can use Tamiyo, the Moon Sage's +1 ability to tap Ugin. While planeswalkers don't usually tap to use abilities, locking him down prevents him from being used as an attacker if he were to become a creature, and more importantly, keeps him tapped if your opponent has other synergies that rely on untapped permanents.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Tamiyo, the Moon Sage

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1July 1, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
The ability can target a tapped permanent. If the targeted permanent is already tapped when it resolves, that permanent just remains tapped and doesn’t untap during its controller’s next untap step.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
Tamiyo’s first ability tracks the permanent, but not its controller. If the permanent changes controllers before its first controller’s next untap step has come around, then it won’t untap during its new controller’s next untap step.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
The number of tapped creatures the player controls is determined when Tamiyo’s second ability resolves.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
Tamiyo’s third ability creates one emblem with two abilities.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
If you activate Tamiyo’s third ability when she has eight loyalty counters on her, she’ll be put into your graveyard before the emblem is created. She won’t return to your hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
Cards that are put into your graveyard can be returned to your hand by the emblem’s ability even if they were never in your hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.