Timecrafting MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2007-02-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Planar Chaos |
| Set code | PLC |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Volkan Baǵa |
Text of card
Choose one Remove X time counters from target permanent or suspended card; or put X time counters on target permanent with a time counter on it or suspended card.
Oddly, an unstable time stream makes wizards want to tinker with it even more.
Cards like Timecrafting
The Timecrafting spell signifies a fascinating twist in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal of time manipulation tactics. While it shares the theme of temporal control with cards like Time Warp, allowing players to snatch an extra turn, Timecrafting offers a more granular approach by manipulating time counters. It presents an alternative to the sweeping temporal gains of Time Warp but does so at a potentially lower mana cost, depending on usage and context.
Closely aligned in function, we see Clockspinning, which also tweaks time counters at an adaptable pace. Where Timecrafting excels is in its instant speed and its capacity to affect multiple counters across different permanents, unlike Clockspinning’s single-target limitation. Magosi, the Waterveil is another related card, providing a land-based approach to earning an extra turn. Magosi, though, requires a significant setup and comes with the downside of skipping a subsequent turn, something Timecrafting deftly avoids.
In evaluating these comparisons, it’s a testament to Timecrafting’s flexibility in managing game tempo that places it prominently amongst MTG’s time-centric cards. It allows adept players to sculpt the game’s progression to their advantage without the heavier commitments of its counterparts.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Timecrafting brings utility as a tool that can sculpt the flow of the game to your favor. Offering selective manipulation of either your deck or an opponent’s, it enables strategic decisions that can translate into a critical advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This card offers another layer of resource enhancement. By potentially unlocking future plays ahead of time, it accelerates your game plan, allowing for a swift development of your board state and outpacing opponents.
Instant Speed: The power of instant speed cannot be overstated. Timecrafting can be wielded during moments that are most opportune, like at the end of an opponent’s turn, keeping your options flexible while presenting a surprise factor that could upend an opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Timecrafting card demands that you discard a card, a tough pill to swallow when your hand is already dwindling or each card is crucial to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: With its cost tightly woven into a specific color mix, this card may not easily slide into every deck, especially those that function outside its color allocation.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its effect, Timecrafting’s mana demand might feel steep. There are alternatives out there that could provide similar benefits without such a hefty mana investment, offering more agility during gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Timecrafting can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes, excelling in those that hinge on precise timing. Its ability to manipulate turn order is a boon for strategies relying on sorcery-speed spells or those wanting to accelerate specific plans.
Combo Potential: This card unlocks numerous synergies, particularly with cards that have abilities tied to the number of spells played in a turn or with cards that thrive on the extra turns granted by Timecrafting’s effect. Its potential to string combos is limited only by a player’s creativity.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that shifts and turns as players fine-tune their decks, Timecrafting can become an ace up your sleeve. It adapts to control, tempo, and combo playstyles, providing an edge whether you’re slowing an opponent’s strategy or catapulting your own game plan forward.
How to beat
Overcoming the Timecrafting card in Magic: The Gathering can be a nuanced strategic challenge. This card, known for its ability to manipulate turns by adding or removing time counters, can potentially disrupt your game plan. A direct approach to countering Timecrafting involves instant-speed removal spells or abilities that can be played in response to its activation. This ensures that the effect of Timecrafting is nullified before it can significantly alter the course of the game.
Another effective strategy is to focus on acceleration and maintaining a quick pace in your gameplay. By rapidly developing your board state and applying pressure, you can limit the window in which Timecrafting can be optimally used by your opponent. Additionally, incorporating cards that interact with counters, such as Aether Snap to remove all counters from all permanents, can be a decisive move against Timecrafting’s time counter mechanic.
Ultimately, staying adaptable and keeping a watchful eye on the game’s progression will make Timecrafting less of a threat. It’s about predicting the opponent’s strategy and preemptively countering or diluting the impact of their time manipulation tactics to maintain control and steer the game to a win.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Timecrafting MTG card by a specific set like Planar Chaos, 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 Timecrafting 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Timecrafting has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |