Crack in Time MTG Card
2023-10-13 - Number 336
2023-10-13 - Number 16
2023-10-13 - Number 621
2023-10-13 - Number 927
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Abilities | Vanishing |
Text of card
Vanishing 3 (This enchantment enters the battlefield with three time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter from it. When the last is removed, sacrifice it.) When Crack in Time enters the battlefield and at the beginning of your precombat main phase, exile target creature an opponent controls until Crack in Time leaves the battlefield.
Cards like Crack in Time
Crack in Time is a distinct choice for MTG players seeking temporal advantage. It stands shoulder to shoulder with Time Warp, a classic that permits another turn but demands a steeper mana investment. Crack in Time, in contrast, is subtler, often used to undo a single phase or combat. It doesn’t grant the full-turn prowess of Time Warp, yet it allows for nuanced strategies that can be just as influential on the game’s outcome.
In the realm of phase manipulation, we encounter Teferi’s Time Twist. This card similarly disrupts the flow of time by phasing out a creature and bringing it back with a plus-one counter. Although it doesn’t affect the turn order as directly as Crack in Time, it serves a protective role and grants a buff in the process. Then there’s Savor the Moment, offering a complete extra turn but with the limitation of not untapping permanents. It’s less versatile than Crack in Time, which can be more surgical in its application.
Evaluating these options, Crack in Time stands out in MTG metagames where precision can edge out raw power. Its ability to disrupt at critical moments provides a different kind of control, which can be a determining factor in many games.
Cards similar to Crack in Time by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Crack in Time ensures a solid card advantage by allowing a look at the top four cards of your library, providing options to find exactly what you need in critical game moments.
Resource Acceleration: Beyond card selection, this spell can put you ahead by skipping your next draw step to fast forward your play, enabling quicker access to your key cards and strategic plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Crack in Time at instant speed offers strategic flexibility during the game, letting you react to opponents’ moves or optimize your turn structure for maximum impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In order to cast Crack in Time, players must fulfill a discard requirement. This can lead to a significant disadvantage, primarily when your hand is already depleted, or when every card in hand is crucial for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Crack in Time demands a specific combination of mana colors to be cast. Its necessity for blue mana restricts the decks it can easily slip into, potentially excluding it from a variety of deck archetypes not aligned with blue’s capabilities.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its effects, the mana cost for Crack in Time is on the higher end. For decks focusing on efficiency and speed, the four mana required could be seen as a hefty investment, especially when alternatives may provide similar outcomes at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Crack in Time in Your Collection
Versatility: Crack in Time offers flexibility for various deck archetypes, as it provides both a way to manipulate time counters and a versatile interaction with the stack, allowing you to tailor your approach based on the game’s state.
Combo Potential: This card can set off a cascade of actions in the right combo-centric deck, potentially exploiting mechanics that sync with taking extra turns or delaying opponents’ spells.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where timing is crucial, and matches are often decided by key turns, incorporating Crack in Time can provide the strategic edge needed to outpace opponents in competitive play.
How to beat
Confronting a card like Crack in Time can be a strategic challenge for seasoned Magic: The Gathering players. This card operates by targeting a single permanent, effectively removing it from the current game round and causing its controller to skip their next turn. Such a powerful effect can turn the tides against you if you’re not prepared.
To counter this disruptive spell, consider incorporating instant-speed removal or counterspells into your deck. Cards like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can be key in preventing Crack in Time from resolving. Furthermore, playing permanents with hexproof or protection from blue can safeguard your critical assets from being targeted by such time-bending magic.
Adaptability is paramount in MTG, and by anticipating your opponent’s moves, you equip yourself with the means to maintain control of the game. Staying ahead of Crack in Time involves a mix of preemptive measures and responsive tactics. It may not be easy, but with the right strategy, you can mitigate the impact of this potent card and keep your opponents in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crack in Time MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Crack in Time and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Crack in Time Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Eliz Roxs.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 336 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eliz Roxs | |
| 2 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 16 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eliz Roxs | |
| 3 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 621 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eliz Roxs | |
| 4 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 927 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eliz Roxs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crack in Time has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Crack in Time card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-10-13 | If Crack in Time leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves, the target creature won't be exiled. |