The 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara Tortoise Formation foil card (#61) offers powerful blue instant protection for your creatures.
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shards of Alara
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.32 | Guide Estimate | +14.3% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 14, 2026
The 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shards of Alara Tortoise Formation foil card (#61) offers powerful blue instant protection for your creatures. Released as part of the ALA set, this card features a distinctive foil finish that enhances its visual appeal for collectors who appreciate the aesthetic details of the Shards of Alara block. In gameplay, Tortoise Formation is a blue instant spell with a mana cost of three generic mana and one blue mana, totaling a mana value of four. When played, it grants shroud to all creatures you control until the end of the turn. This effect means those creatures cannot be targeted by any spells or abilities from opponents or even your own side, providing a crucial defensive buffer during critical moments in the game. For Magic: The Gathering collectors, this card represents a tangible piece of the Shards of Alara era. The foil treatment adds a layer of collectibility, making it a desirable addition for those building specialized collections or seeking high-quality versions of staple protective spells. The card’s design and mechanics reflect the strategic depth and color identity characteristic of this expansion. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to round out your Shards of Alara collection or a new enthusiast exploring the history of Magic: The Gathering card design, the Tortoise Formation foil card stands out for its functional utility and collectible finish. It serves as a reminder of the tactical choices available to blue mages in the game. By focusing on the identity and context of each release, collectors can appreciate the artistry and strategy embedded in these trading card game staples.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Tortoise Formation
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Mark Zug
Card Stock
English
Foil
{3}{U}
Instant
U
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Creatures you control gain shroud until end of turn. (They can't be the targets of spells or abilities.)
At sea, the Jhessian fleet strikes swiftly and decisively. On land, facing the elite cavalry of Valeron, its marines must rely on more cautious strategies.
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