Tangle Wire MTG Card


Tangle Wire is a strategic artifact card that manipulates the tempo of a game by tapping opponents’ permanents. Its fading mechanic ensures its effect is potent but diminishes over time, adding a layer of tactical decision-making. While it’s not legal in Standard, Tangle Wire is a fixture in Vintage and Commander formats, showcasing its versatility and enduring popularity.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeArtifact
Abilities Fading

Text of card

Fading 4 (This artifact comes into play with four fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.) At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player taps an untapped artifact, creature, or land he or she controls for each fade counter on Tangle Wire.


Cards like Tangle Wire

When it comes to disrupting your opponent’s game in MTG, Tangle Wire stands amidst a handful of effective artifacts. It’s functionality evokes thoughts of cards like Smokestack, which also utilises a fading counter mechanic. Yet, Tangle Wire retains a distinct edge with its cost of four colorless mana and the instant hindrance it imposes on the opponents.

Winter Orb is another card that shares similarities with Tangle Wire in its purpose of stalling opponents. However, it only affects untapping of lands, where Tangle Wire proves more versatile, affecting any untapped cards. Meanwhile, Static Orb is cheaper, but it lacks the immediacy of Tangle Wire, only taking effect when it’s untapped.

Tangle Wire also finds a counterpart in Hokori, Dust Drinker, which curtails opponents’ untap capability. Yet, the creature identity of Hokori could be disadvantageous, prone as it is to creature removal spells.

Summarising, Tangle Wire demonstrates consistency and flexibility that grants it a competitive status among MTG’s disruptive artifacts. It delivers an apt balance between cost-effectiveness and tactical advantage in the shared objective of curbing opponent moves, thus asserting its unique value.

Smokestack - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Hokori, Dust Drinker - MTG Card versions
Smokestack - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Hokori, Dust Drinker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tangle Wire by color, type and mana cost

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Ebony Horse - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Ebony Horse - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UU LegacyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Patchwork StompyPatchwork Stompy LegacyPatchwork StompyLegacy Challenge 64 2024-05-05
Mystic Forge ComboMystic Forge Combo LegacyMystic Forge ComboLegacy League 2024-04-30
Eldrazi TaxesEldrazi Taxes LegacyColorless Cloudpost*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm
Colorless PrisonColorless Prison Vintage2023 Asia Vintage Championship
Mono-White PrisonMono-White Prison LegacyMono-White InitiativeTOPdeck.Ru - 2024 Legacy Championship
Mono-Blue PrisonMono-Blue Prison LegacyPatchwork Stompy98 / The 98th Legacy at Home
Colorless ShopsColorless Shops VintageOther ShopsHSI7
ElvesElves PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Colorless 12-PostColorless 12-Post LegacyColorless CloudpostWeekly Legacy Mont
 


Tangle Wire Pros

Card Advantage: Although Tangle Wire does not directly draw cards, it restricts the opponent’s ability to use their cards. This indirect card advantage can disrupt your rival’s strategies, providing you the upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: Tangle Wire slows down the opponent by forcing them to tap an increasing number of permanents. This tactic generates a comparative acceleration of resources as it allows you to freely use your resources while your opponent’s are locked down.

Instant Speed: Though Tangle Wire is not an instant, it has an effect that occurs every upkeep, simulating the constant influence that an instant or flash card offers. This continuous tapping effect can present opportunities for you to take leadership during games as it can surprise opponents with its ongoing effects.


Cons of Tangle Wire

Discard Requirement: Tangle wire, contrary to popular belief, holds an implicit discard requirement. Every round, you have to tap it itself plus more of your cards on the battlefield, which is equivalent to discarding resources, as they won’t be functional till your next turn.

Specific Mana Cost: Tangle wire demands a cost of three generic mana. While this opens up its usage for multi-color decks, it might not particularly benefit decks with cards optimized for specific mana costs like those revolving around mono-colored setup.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a converted mana cost of 3, it seems demanding when compared to other control cards in the MTG universe. This could possibly slow down your game, particularly in the early stages where each mana is crucial.


Reasons to Include Tangle Wire in Your Collection

Versatility: Tangle Wire is a multifaceted card that can be incorporated into a variety of decks. It’s particularly handy in decks that leverage artifact synergies or seek to disrupt opponents’ mana bases.

Combo Potential: Tangle Wire’s ability to tap down opponents’ permanents can be exploited for devastating combos. Combine it with cards that untap artifacts, or use it to stall your opponent while developing your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In the current MTG metagame, control strategies are often prevalent. Tangle Wire offers an effective strategy for countering these decks, making it a valuable asset in many competitive environments.


Similar Cards

When it comes to disrupting your opponent’s game in MTG, Tangle Wire stands amidst a handful of effective artifacts. It’s functionality evokes thoughts of cards like Smokestack, which also utilises a fading counter mechanic. Yet, Tangle Wire retains a distinct edge with its cost of four colorless mana and the instant hindrance it imposes on the opponents.

Winter Orb is another card that shares similarities with Tangle Wire in its purpose of stalling opponents. However, it only affects untapping of lands, where Tangle Wire proves more versatile, affecting any untapped cards. Meanwhile, Static Orb is cheaper, but it lacks the immediacy of Tangle Wire, only taking effect when it’s untapped.

Tangle Wire also finds a counterpart in Hokori, Dust Drinker, which curtails opponents’ untap capability. Yet, the creature identity of Hokori could be disadvantageous, prone as it is to creature removal spells.

Summarising, Tangle Wire demonstrates consistency and flexibility that grants it a competitive status among MTG’s disruptive artifacts. It delivers an apt balance between cost-effectiveness and tactical advantage in the shared objective of curbing opponent moves, thus asserting its unique value.


How to Beat Tangle Wire

Overcoming the Tangle Wire card in a game of Magic: The Gathering can be a challenge due to its powerful abilities. This artifact causes opponents to tap a number of permanents equal to the number of fade counters on it during their upkeep. This disruptive capability can buy you precious time to build up your own board, leaving your opponent scrambling.

The key to beating Tangle Wire is utilizing cards that let you untap your permanents or have them enter the battlefield untapped. Acceleration cards like Seedborn Muse, Quest for Renewal, or Unwinding Clock, can prove incredibly useful against Tangle Wire. These cards will keep your resources open and operational, nullifying Tangle Wire’s crippling effect.

Implementing a strategy that revolves around sacrifice or destruction can also be viable approaches. Leveraging cards like Shattering Spree or Naturalize can force the Tangle Wire to be destroyed, eliminating the threat entirely. Remember, while Tangle Wire can trap you in, it also fades over time, so patience combined with powerful spells can lead you to victory.

Tangle Wire is a formidable foe in any game of Magic: The Gathering, but with the right strategy and the right cards, its tangled web can be unraveled.


Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tangle Wire MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis and World Championship Decks 2000, 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 Tangle Wire and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Tangle Wire Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-02-14 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12000-02-14NemesisNEM 1391997NormalBlackGlen Angus
22000-08-02World Championship Decks 2000WC00 jf139a1997NormalGoldGlen Angus
32013-08-23From the Vault: TwentyV13 82003NormalBlackMarco Nelor
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 6942015NormalBorderlessCosmin Podar

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tangle Wire has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal