Rimewind Taskmage MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Released	2006-07-21
Set symbol
Set name	Coldsnap
Set code	CSP
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	44
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Ron Spears

Key Takeaways

Resource manipulation through tapping can yield incremental advantage by derailing opponents’ plans.
Instant speed activation allows for surprise plays and flexible response to threats anytime.
Despite utility, it requires hand and board investment, which can limit its deployment.

Text of card

, : Tap or untap target permanent. Play this ability only if you control four or more snow permanents.

"Find solace in the sun? Burning, blinding, laying secrets bare? No, solace is found under the blanket of cold."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rimewind Taskmage enables a strategy that can lead to an incremental card advantage. Its ability to tap target permanent can be used to interfere with an opponent’s plans, potentially causing them to waste resources while you maintain control of the game.

Resource Acceleration: While this card itself does not directly increase resources, efficient use of the Taskmage’s abilities can slow down an opponent. This relative slowdown can put you ahead, effectively acting as a form of resource acceleration since you can develop your board while hindering your opponent’s progress.

Instant Speed: The ability of Rimewind Taskmage to be activated at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond during an opponent’s turn. This can be a tactical advantage, allowing you to untap another permanent unexpectedly or tap down a newly summoned threat before it can be used against you.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rimewind Taskmage demands an initial hand discard to activate its abilities. For players strategically holding onto key cards for later plays, this can be a significant setback, hindering their overall game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise mana combination to cast, necessitating both blue and colorless mana. This can be restrictive as it may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks or those that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its utility, Rimewind Taskmage has a relatively steep cost for its tap and untap abilities, especially when considering the speed of the current meta. There are more cost-effective options that could be more advantageous for controlling the board or other game aspects.

Reasons to Include Rimewind Taskmage in Your Collection

Versatility: Rimewind Taskmage offers players the ability to control the pace of the game. Its ability to tap and untap permanents can be seamlessly integrated into various deck archetypes, providing utility in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This wizard comes with a built-in mechanism that can be exploited for numerous combos. It pairs well with cards that benefit from or enable tapping and untapping, setting the stage for infinite loop opportunities or disruption synergies.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift towards creature-heavy or ability-reliant strategies, Rimewind Taskmage’s place in your arsenal becomes increasingly pertinent. The capacity to nullify threats or reuse your own creatures’ abilities gives it a solid foothold in various competitive environments.

How to beat

Rimewind Taskmage presents a unique challenge with its ability to control the board by tapping or untapping target permanents. This versatile utility piece in your opponent’s arsenal can be a thorn in your side if not addressed promptly. A strategic approach to overcome this is through the employment of instant-speed removal spells that can disrupt the Taskmage before it locks down your crucial game pieces. Cards like Lightning Bolt provide a cost-effective solution, dealing damage directly to the Taskmage upon its appearance on the board.

Another effective strategy includes using spells that prevent the Taskmage’s activation altogether. This can be achieved through counterspells, denying the opponent the chance to utilize its taps and untaps, or abilities designed to silence activated abilities. A card like Pithing Needle can be particularly devastating as it can name Rimewind Taskmage upon entering the battlefield and prevent any further activation hassles for the duration of the game. Timing and anticipating your opponent’s plays are key in mitigating the impact of Rimewind Taskmage and maintaining the upper hand throughout the match.

Implementing these tactics allows players to neutralize Rimewind Taskmage efficiently, ensuring the board state remains in their favor and their strategies can unfold without interruption from this controlling magic card.

Cards like Rimewind Taskmage

Rimewind Taskmage offers a unique play style in Magic: The Gathering. It stands out with its ability to repeatedly tap or untap a permanent, a feature reminiscent of the classic creature controller Icy Manipulator. The Manipulator requires no tapping to activate but demands more mana to use its skill. In contrast, Rimewind Taskmage requires not just activation but also an additional constraint of having two or more snow permanents to perform its function.

Comparably, Vodalian Arcanist is another creature with a mana-related ability, assisting in casting instant or sorcery spells. Unlike the Taskmage, the Arcanist’s role is more streamlined, providing resources versus direct board control. Alternatively, Frost Lynx enters the play field with an immediate effect on tapping an opponent’s creature, unlike Rimewind Taskmage’s repeatable but conditional utility.

In examining these variants, Rimewind Taskmage presents interesting control dynamics for decks with snow themes. The Taskmage’s potential for continuous board interference provides strategic advantages that can be pivotal in the tempo and outcome of a match, distinguishing itself among utilitarian creatures in the game.

Icy Manipulator - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Rimewind Taskmage by color, type and mana cost

Vodalian Soldiers - Fallen Empires (FEM)

Lord of Atlantis - Wizards Play Network 2024 (PW24)

Wu Light Cavalry - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)

Overtaker - Mercadian Masques Promos (PMMQ)

Darting Merfolk - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)

Sneaky Homunculus - Eighth Edition (8ED)

Aquamoeba - World Championship Decks 2003 (WC03)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rimewind Taskmage MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Rimewind Taskmage and other MTG cards: