Time Machine MTG Card

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 128

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 128★

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Extra turns from Time Machine mean more lands played and quicker board state development.
Instant speed allows surprise moves, tilting the game unexpectedly in your favor.
Demands a card discard and specific mana, limiting its use but offering high rewards.

Text of card

: Remove Time Machine and target nontoken creature you own from the game. Return both cards to play at the beginning of your upkeep on your turn X of the next game you play with the same opponent, where X is the removed creature's converted mana cost.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Playing Time Machine provides a unique way of gaining card advantage by letting you take extra turns. This equates to drawing an additional hand of cards while denying opponents their turn, which can drastically shift the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Access to extra turns inherently means more land drops and a faster buildup of your board state. This acceleration can be the difference in outpacing your opponent and establishing a dominant position in the match.

Instant Speed: Time Machine’s instant speed is its stealthiest asset. It allows for the surprise factor, enabling you to wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to make a pivotal move. This flexibility in timing can catch adversaries off guard and turn the tides of the game when least expected.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Time Machine card places a demand on your hand by requiring a discard of another card. This can potentially disrupt your game plan, especially if you’re holding on to key pieces for a combo or strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This card mandates a particular arrangement of mana to cast. Having to fulfill a mana sequence that includes specific colors could make it less flexible in decks not aligned with those mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Time Machine’s mana cost is on the higher side, meaning it might take longer to come into play. This could be a setback when faster plays make the difference between victory and defeat, and when lower-cost alternatives might provide similar benefits sooner.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Time Machine card offers a dynamic edge to players looking to manipulate turns. Its unique ability to take extra turns can seamlessly integrate into various deck themes, particularly those that thrive on time-warping tactics.

Combo Potential: As a powerhouse in combos, this card synergizes with strategies revolving around turns manipulation. When paired with cards designed to exploit extra turns or recycle powerful spells, its potential is unmatched.

Meta-Relevance: Due to its strength in prolonging the game and controlling the pace, Time Machine is a formidable contender in many meta environments. It can shift the tide in matches where timing and turn advantage dictate victory.

How to beat

Time Machine is an intriguing card that can manipulate game turns, offering potential dominance in gameplay. Its ability to grant extra turns might seem daunting, but there are strategies to outmaneuver its temporal advantage. For starters, direct disruption through counter spells can prevent Time Machine from ever taking effect. Cards like Negate or Mana Leak can be crucial for suppressing this time-altering spell before it becomes a threat.

Moreover, once it’s on the battlefield, removal spells are your allies. Instant-speed removal like Disenchant can dismantle the Time Machine before the extra turns accumulate. Destroying or exiling it requires timing and precision, but successfully disrupting this combo piece can significantly diminish an opponent’s plans. Another productive tactic is to apply pressure early on, not allowing the opponent the necessary turns to set up their Time Machine play. Fast-paced aggro decks that reduce the opponent’s life total quickly can often race against the slower engingeering of extra turns. Finally, having a Planeswalker like Karn, the Great Creator can generate susceptibility for artifacts, ensuring your opponent’s Time Machine faces imminent defeat once it comes into play.

When assessing the board, an active awareness of pivotal turns is essential. By prioritizing threats and using your resources efficiently, you can neutralize the Time Machine and maintain control over the game’s temporal flow.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Time Machine MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged and Unhinged, 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 Time Machine and other MTG cards: