The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 1

The Thirteenth Doctor's last ability untaps creatures you control with any kind of counter on them, not just creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 2

Paradox abilities count any spells cast from zones other than your hand. These are usually spells cast from exile, the graveyard, or the command zone. They also count spells cast from outside the game, such as spells cast with Wish or Garth One-Eye's ability.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 3

An instant or sorcery that counts how many spells you've cast from anywhere other than your hand, such as Surge of Brilliance, counts itself if it was cast from a zone other than your hand.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 4

A triggered ability that triggers when a spell is cast from anywhere other than your hand, such as that of The Thirteenth Doctor, functions only on the battlefield, so it doesn't trigger when you cast that spell from a zone other than your hand.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 5

If a spell or ability allows you to copy a spell on the stack but doesn't specify that the spell is cast, that spell wasn't cast and won't be counted by paradox abilities. However, if a spell or ability allows you to cast a copy of a spell, that spell will be counted for paradox abilities.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 6

Unlike other creature types in Magic that are each only one word, the two words "Time Lord" represent a single creature subtype. Time Lord is the only two-word creature type.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 7

Neither "Time" nor "Lord" are creature types. Some older cards were printed with the subtype "Lord," but all of those cards have updated Oracle card text that removed that type.

The Thirteenth Doctor — ruling 8

If an effect instructs you to choose a creature type, you may choose Time Lord.

The Thirteenth Doctor : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

The Thirteenth Doctor 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

Paradox — Whenever you cast a spell from anywhere other than your hand, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. Team TARDIS — At the beginning of your end step, untap each creature you control with a counter on it.

Complete guide

The Thirteenth Doctor is a powerful Time Lord Doctor who rewards you for unconventional spellcasting. By utilizing the Paradox keyword, she strengthens your board and ensures your defenses are ready every turn. This commander is perfect for players who love casting spells from exile, the graveyard, or the command zone.

Harnessing the Paradox

The Paradox ability triggers whenever you cast a spell from anywhere other than your hand. This includes casting your Commander from the command zone, using Flashback from the graveyard, or utilizing cards that allow you to cast spells from exile. Each time you do this, you place a +1/+1 counter on a target creature, which fuels her second ability.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast a spell from a zone like exile, the Paradox ability triggers and is put onto the stack on top of that spell. You choose a target creature to receive a +1/+1 counter. The counter is placed as the ability resolves, even before the original spell finishes resolving. Later, at the beginning of your end step, the Team TARDIS ability checks for any creatures you control with any type of counter. All such creatures are then untapped simultaneously.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming only +1/+1 counters count for the Team TARDIS ability. In reality, any counter—such as shield, vigilance, or even -1/-1 counters—will cause the creature to untap. Additionally, remember that copying a spell on the stack does not trigger Paradox unless the effect specifically says you are 'casting' the copy. Finally, The Thirteenth Doctor must already be on the battlefield to see itself being cast from the command zone for the Paradox trigger to occur; therefore, she does not give herself a counter when she is first played.

When to Play Her

You should play The Thirteenth Doctor when you have a deck built around mechanics like Foretell, Cascade, or Suspend. Because she untaps your creatures at the end of your turn, she is excellent for aggressive strategies, allowing you to attack with large creatures and still have them available as blockers during your opponents' turns.

Interaction examples

Strategic Offense and Defense

Solemn Simulacrum

With The Thirteenth Doctor on the battlefield, you cast a spell from exile. The Paradox trigger puts a +1/+1 counter on Solemn Simulacrum. You attack with the Simulacrum during your combat phase. At the beginning of your end step, Team TARDIS triggers and untaps Solemn Simulacrum because it has a counter, leaving you with a blocker.

Counter Diversity

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If Sakura-Tribe Elder has a keyword counter (like a Reach counter) from another effect, The Thirteenth Doctor will untap it during your end step. Even if you haven't cast a spell from outside your hand that turn to trigger Paradox, the Team TARDIS ability still recognizes the existing counter on the Elder and untaps it.

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

How it works : The Thirteenth Doctor

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
The Thirteenth Doctor's last ability untaps creatures you control with any kind of counter on them, not just creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Paradox abilities count any spells cast from zones other than your hand. These are usually spells cast from exile, the graveyard, or the command zone. They also count spells cast from outside the game, such as spells cast with Wish or Garth One-Eye's ability.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
An instant or sorcery that counts how many spells you've cast from anywhere other than your hand, such as Surge of Brilliance, counts itself if it was cast from a zone other than your hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
A triggered ability that triggers when a spell is cast from anywhere other than your hand, such as that of The Thirteenth Doctor, functions only on the battlefield, so it doesn't trigger when you cast that spell from a zone other than your hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If a spell or ability allows you to copy a spell on the stack but doesn't specify that the spell is cast, that spell wasn't cast and won't be counted by paradox abilities. However, if a spell or ability allows you to cast a copy of a spell, that spell will be counted for paradox abilities.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Unlike other creature types in Magic that are each only one word, the two words "Time Lord" represent a single creature subtype. Time Lord is the only two-word creature type.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Neither "Time" nor "Lord" are creature types. Some older cards were printed with the subtype "Lord," but all of those cards have updated Oracle card text that removed that type.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect instructs you to choose a creature type, you may choose Time Lord.
No other card is named in this ruling.