Unwind MTG Card


Unwind excels in card economy by countering spells and untapping lands, maintaining a strong tempo. Its instant speed allows for strategic flexibility and unexpected defenses during critical moments. Though constrained by blue mana and noncreature focus, Unwind offers significant strategic value.
Unwind - Dominaria
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2018-04-27
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria
Set codeDOM
Number72
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAnna Steinbauer

Text of card

Counter target noncreature spell. Untap up to three lands.

"A problem is only a problem if you don't have the tools to correct it." —Jhoira


Cards like Unwind

Unwind stands out in the Magic: The Gathering spell roster for its ability to untap lands. When evaluating similar cards, Rewind is an immediate comparison that springs to mind. Both spells share the trait of untapping lands, yet Unwind has a lower casting cost and only targets noncreature spells. On the other hand, Rewind can counter any spell, providing broader utility at a higher mana investment.

Narrowing our focus further, Disallow also counters any spell or activated ability, conferring greater flexibility. However, Disallow doesn’t offer the land untapping bonus, which can be critical in maintaining momentum. Unwind’s unique advantage lies in its cost-efficiency and the potential to propel your game by keeping mana available for subsequent plays within the same turn.

Drawing conclusions on these comparison points, Unwind carves a niche within Magic: The Gathering as a counter spell that balances strategic defense with resource regeneration, favoring players who seek proactive control while staying mana-efficient.

Rewind - MTG Card versions
Disallow - MTG Card versions
Rewind - MTG Card versions
Disallow - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Unwind by color, type and mana cost

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Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Unwind. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Ephemerate TronEphemerate Tron PauperEphemerate TronPauper Qualifier 2024-03-02
Flicker TronFlicker Tron PauperEphemerate Tron5° Tappa - Season 7 - Road to Paupergeddon Spring edition 2024 @ Lega Pauper Martesana
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-07
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Four-color TronFour-color Tron PauperEphemerate TronPauper Jungle
Five-color TronFive-color Tron PauperEphemerate TronC'mon! Pozna

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unwind enables players to counter target noncreature spell, which can not only disrupt opponents’ strategies but essentially does so at no cost since it untaps up to three lands. This can be a significant swing in card economy, ensuring you stay ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: By untapping lands, Unwind acts as a form of resource acceleration. It allows you to use lands for other spells or abilities in the same turn, thereby expanding your available resources and potential actions without expending extra cards.

Instant Speed: The flexible timing of instant-speed spells is what makes Unwind particularly powerful. You can adapt to the ever-changing battlefield and make pivotal decisions at the most opportune moments, potentially during an opponent’s turn when they least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Unwind offers the ability to untap lands, it necessitates that you have the card in hand at the right moment without any benefit to your hand size, leading to a potential resource disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Unwind calls for blue mana specifically, which means it can’t be effortlessly integrated into all deck types, especially those that aren’t centered around blue mana or multicolored strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Unwind requiring three mana to cast, players might find it somewhat inefficient, as there are alternative options for countering noncreature spells that might better synergize with a player’s overall strategy or come at a lower cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Unwind allows players to thwart an opponent’s spell while keeping mana open for other instant spells or abilities that can be used in the same turn. This flexibility makes it a strategic fit in control decks or any blue-based deck that aims to play on the opponent’s turn.

Combo Potential: By negating key spells without spending mana, Unwind works well in combos that require keeping resources available to execute multiple steps in a single turn. This can help set up game-winning sequences while disrupting your opponent’s plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where counterspells and instant-speed interactions are crucial, Unwind becomes a highly impactful card. It ensures that you stay both reactive and proactive, offering an edge against decks that rely on spells to set up their strategy or protect their board state.


How to beat

Unwind is a spell that finds its niche within the control archetypes of Magic: The Gathering, specifically countering noncreature spells while untapping lands, which can lead to a significant advantage. Overcoming Unwind requires strategic play and understanding the card’s limitations. Unlike a universal counter like Cancel, which can stop any spell but offers no further benefits, Unwind is constrained to noncreature spells and therefore does not affect the board directly.

One effective method to contest Unwind is to bait it out with a less crucial noncreature spell before casting a more essential one. This sequence takes advantage of Unwind’s noncreature-only limitation. Additionally, playing at a faster pace by using low-cost or instant-speed spells can pressure the opponent and reduce the effectiveness of their counter magic. Spells with the “can’t be countered” clause are also perfect for bypassing Unwind’s effect entirely, helping to secure your pivotal plays on the game board. Lastly, simply playing non-spell based strategies, such as aggressive creature decks, can render Unwind a less valuable card in your opponent’s hand.

If you can anticipate Unwind and adapt your strategy accordingly, your deck may gain the upper hand against those leveraging this countering tactic.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the depths of Magic the Gathering, strategies unravel and games are won by the savvy use of cards like Unwind. Assessing Unwind’s strengths and limitations informs a well-rounded MTG arsenal. Whether it’s using this card to safeguard your turn or to cleverly untap lands for a dynamic play, Unwind can be a strategic addition to your collection. Ready to enhance your control deck or just looking to understand how to overcome this particular counter? Fine-tune your gameplay—and maybe even outmaneuver your opponents by keeping those lands untapped for crucial moments. For insights and advanced strategies, make sure to check out additional resources and refine your MTG prowess to its fullest potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unwind MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Unwind and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unwind has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal