The Matrix of Time MTG Card

Gives players foresight and control over their decks, increasing their chances of drawing essential cards. Allows faster play by untapping an extra land, critical for turning the tide in your favor. Instant speed offers surprise and flexibility, integrating effortlessly into various game phases.

Rarity	Common
Type	Plane — Gallifrey
Abilities	Treasure
Released	2023-10-13
Set symbol
Set name	Doctor Who
Set code	WHO
Number	589
Frame	2015
Layout	Planar
Border	Black
Illustred by	Alexander Mokhov

Text of card

When you planeswalk to The Matrix of Time, each player exiles the top card of their library. During your turn, you may play lands and cast spells from among cards exiled with The Matrix of Time. Whenever you play a land or cast a spell from among cards exiled with The Matrix of Time, that card's owner loses 3 life and exiles the top card of their library. Whenever chaos ensues, create two Treasure tokens.

Cards like The Matrix of Time

The Matrix of Time brings a new dynamic to the gameplay experience in Magic: The Gathering, echoing the functionality of cards such as Time Warp. Both offer the invaluable opportunity to take an extra turn, which can be a game changer. The Matrix of Time, however, comes with an alternate cost that involves exiling cards from the top of your library, a unique trade-off that differs from the straightforward mana cost of Time Warp.

Temporal Manipulation is another card that shares the “additional turn” theme. It features a similar effect but The Matrix of Time stands out with its exile mechanic, potentially offering a strategic advantage in decks tailored to manipulate the exile zone. On the other hand, Expropriate, a higher mana cost spell, lets players not only take extra turns but also gain control of their opponents’ spells or permanents, providing a more versatile albeit costlier alternative.

Considering these elements, The Matrix of Time serves as a nuanced and potentially synergistic piece in decks looking to optimize turn manipulation. Its unique cost may impose constraints, yet it opens up new possibilities for creative deck building in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering.

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Matrix of Time gives players a unique edge by allowing them to anticipate future turns. By looking at and rearranging the top cards of your library, you gain a strategic advantage, ensuring you draw into needed answers or threats during upcoming draws.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does The Matrix of Time help with planning your moves, but it also facilitates a quicker deployment of them. This card speeds up your ability to cast high impact spells by untapping an additional land during your untap step, which can be pivotal for swinging the game in your favor.

Instant Speed: One of its most powerful attributes is its instant speed, allowing for reactive play. You can respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn or end step, maintaining the element of surprise and control. This flexibility makes The Matrix of Time a formidable card, accommodating it seamlessly into your strategy at the most opportune times.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To wield The Matrix of Time, you must part with another card from your hand. This cost can be detrimental, especially during the late game when every card counts, potentially depleting your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Activating The Matrix of Time requires a precise combination of mana, which may not always align with your deck’s mana base. This can lead to situations where the card remains idle in your hand, awaiting the right moment that may never come.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the mana investment needed to bring The Matrix of Time into play, players might consider other options. There are cards in the same mana range that offer immediate board impact or card advantage without additional costs or conditions attached.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Matrix of Time can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of decks due to its capacity to manipulate turns and phases. This flexibility is invaluable in decks that thrive on setting the tempo or wish to disrupt opponents’ strategies.

Combo Potential: With its unique ability to affect the game’s timing, The Matrix of Time opens up numerous combo possibilities. It can be paired with cards that benefit from extra turns or those that trigger at the beginning or end of turns, amplifying their effects significantly.

Meta-Relevance: Given the card’s potential to outpace opposition through extra turn sequences, The Matrix of Time is highly relevant in metas where control or combo decks dominate. Its ability to alter the flow of the game can be a game-changer in the right deck composition.

How to beat

The Matrix of Time is an intricate piece in the puzzle of Magic: The Gathering games, often giving the controller a critical advantage by manipulating turns. To effectively counter this card, an opponent must prioritize cards that inhibit or reverse the time-altering effects it presents. One classic approach is to employ instant-speed removal or counter spells to disrupt the setup phase before The Matrix of Time can take effect. Cards like Disallow can be a reliable safeguard, countering the activation altogether.

Another strategy involves using aggressive deck archetypes to pressure the Matrix of Time player, reducing their opportunity to establish their game plan. Swift creatures and direct damage spells can force actions at an uncomfortable pace for the controller. Also, cards aimed at graveyard disruption can restrict the recurring benefits of The Matrix of Time, essentially neutralizing its long-term value.

Keep in mind that The Matrix of Time’s strength is in its potential for repeated use. Cutting off this repeat performance is key. By remaining vigilant and responsive, you can keep this powerful artifact from overwhelming the game’s natural rhythm.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Matrix of Time MTG card by a specific set like 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 The Matrix of Time and other MTG cards:

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Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering The Matrix of 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	You must pay all costs and follow all normal timing rules to play cards exiled with The Matrix of Time. For example, you may play a land this way only during your main phase while the stack is empty.