Waterknot MTG Card
2018-01-19 - Number 61
2018-07-13 - Number 311
2018-07-14 - Number 22
2020-07-17 - Number 192
2020-08-13 - Number 40
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature When Waterknot enters the battlefield, tap enchanted creature. Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap step.
Cards like Waterknot
Waterknot has found its niche in Magic: The Gathering as a control tool in blue decks. It is often compared to enchantment-based removal spells like Claustrophobia, which similarly taps creatures and prevents them from untapping during their controller’s untap steps. While both cards serve a similar purpose, Waterknot distinguishes itself with its lore implications tied to the plane of Ixalan and its mana cost efficiency.
Another card that often enters the conversation is Frost Breath, which, while it does not permanently tap the creature, impacts multiple targets by tapping two creatures. Although Frost Breath’s effect is temporary, the immediate impact can swing the game at the right moment. Conversely, Waterknot’s enduring influence on a single creature can be more strategic over the course of a game.
In the realm of blue control spells, Waterknot holds its ground by being a cost-effective and lasting solution to most creature threats, mirroring the function of these similar spells but carving out its own space in decks that value long-term board control.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Waterknot is a great tool in sealed or draft formats, where locking down a key creature can swing the momentum in your favor and effectively help you maintain board advantage. Unlike direct removal, it keeps the creature on the battlefield, potentially nullifying recursive effects that trigger upon a creature’s death.
Resource Acceleration: While Waterknot itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it aids in resource advantage by ensuring your creatures can continue to attack or block without the threat of an opponent’s creature. It indirectly accelerates your game plan by eliminating the need to cast more expensive removal spells.
Instant Speed: Although Waterknot is actually an enchantment that operates at sorcery speed, the instantaneous impact it has when it enters the battlefield can be compared to the sudden change of pace often provided by an instant. It allows players to establish continuous control over the most pertinent threats on the board without needing to wait for their own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Waterknot doesn’t ask for an immediate discard of a card, being a control tool, it may sometimes sit unused in your hand if you’re needing to prioritize other plays, effectively causing a delay in hand optimization.
Specific Mana Cost: Waterknot’s dependency on two blue mana can restrict its inclusion in decks. Multicolored or mana-flexible decks might find this cost burdensome to match, dampening its universal appeal.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might not seem much at first glance, but in a game where speed can be critical, there are alternatives that might offer similar or better utility for the same or lower mana investment, making Waterknot potentially less efficient in faster-paced matches.
Reasons to Include Waterknot in Your Collection
Versatility: Waterknot serves as an effective control tool in decks that require tempo. Its ability to lock down a creature makes it highly flexible for use against a variety of threats.
Combo Potential: By neutralizing potential blockers, Waterknot can clear the way for combo-driven creatures to attack unimpeded, enabling you to execute your winning strategies more reliably.
Meta-Relevance: With creature-based decks frequently dominating the playing field, Waterknot’s enchantment-based creature control maintains a solid position within the meta, ensuring your deck remains competitive.
How to beat
Waterknot is an Aura spell that can lock down even the most formidable creatures on the board. Navigating around this blue enchantment requires a clear plan. One effective strategy is using enchantment removal spells such as Naturalize or Disenchant to free your impacted creature and turn the tables. Creatures with the ability Hexproof are also resilient to Waterknot, shielding them from becoming ensnared in its grasp.
Additionally, running counterspells like Negate can prevent Waterknot from hitting the board in the first place. Should Waterknot already be in play, utilizing bounce effects to return the targeted creature to your hand can be a way to dodge its binding effect. Cards such as Blink of an Eye or Unsummon serve this purpose well. Lastly, adapting to a meta where Waterknot is prevalent may include incorporating more Creatures with Enter the Battlefield effects, ensuring you still extract value even if the creature is later locked down.
Having these tactics ready when facing a blue control deck can significantly mitigate the impact of spells like Waterknot and maintain your board presence throughout the game. It’s about anticipating and being equipped to respond to such Auras, maintaining the momentum on your side of the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Waterknot MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and Core Set 2019, 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 Waterknot 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 Waterknot Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-01-19 | Rivals of Ixalan | RIX | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 311 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 3 | 2018-07-14 | Arena New Player Experience Extras | XANA | 22 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 4 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 192 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 5 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Waterknot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |