Turnabout

Turnabout was first introduced in the 1999 expansion set Urza's Destiny, part of the larger Urza block in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It was designed as a versatile blue instant, allowing players to tap or untap all lands or artifacts, a mechanic that quickly found a home in high-level combo decks focused on generating massive amounts of mana. Its inclusion in The List, a curated selection of cards from the game's history reprinted in newer booster packs, highlights its enduring status as a staple for blue-aligned spellcasters.

The card’s illustration was provided by Steve Prescott, a long-time contributor to the game known for his dynamic, slightly stylized approach to fantasy art. Prescott’s depiction of the spell captures a swirling, kinetic energy shift, visually representing the chaotic potential of manipulating the battlefield's resources. The design has been well-regarded by players for both its strategic utility in complex games and the evocative nature of Prescott’s work, which has helped it remain a recognized piece within the expansive catalog of blue instant spells.