Unwinding Clock MTG Card


Unwinding Clock provides continuous resource acceleration by untapping artifacts each opponent’s turn. Enhances combo potential and versatility, ideal for artifact-centric MTG strategies. Effective countering involves targeted removal spells to mitigate its gameplay impact.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

Untap all artifacts you control during each other player's untap step.

"The partisans have unearthed a strange artifact. None know its origin, but it gives them hope of a life beyond." —Elspeth's journal


Cards like Unwinding Clock

Unwinding Clock is an intriguing presence within the realm of Magic: The Gathering artifacts. Its nearest comparative peer would be Vedalken Orrery, which offers similar permissions to play cards as though they had flash. However, Unwinding Clock has a unique angle: the untap step happens on each opponent’s turn. This stands in contrast to Vedalken Orrery, which doesn’t have this specific distinction, and lacks the subsequent potential to drastically augment gameplay.

We can also draw parallels with Paradox Engine, another influential artifact. Like Unwinding Clock, it enables an infusion of untap steps, but it necessitates a spell casting to trigger, which can render it slightly less reliable. A fair equivalent in the colorless segment of MTG would be Seedborn Muse, a creature whose power mirrors Unwinding Clock in utilising untap steps. Unlike the Clock, however, Seedborn Muse applies to all permanents, making it broader in scope and flexibility.

To summarize, when considering functionality and comparative edge, Unwinding Clock strongly holds a competitive position among MTG artifacts, largely due to its unique untap potential and the strategic depth it introduces to the game.

Vedalken Orrery - MTG Card versions
Paradox Engine - MTG Card versions
Seedborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Orrery - MTG Card versions
Paradox Engine - MTG Card versions
Seedborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Unwinding Clock by color, type and mana cost

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Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Jade Monolith - MTG Card versions
Jade Statue - MTG Card versions
Mightstone - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Lich's Tomb - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Synod Centurion - MTG Card versions
Jade Idol - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unwinding Clock mtg is a boon to players in terms of card advantage. By untapping all artifacts you control during each other player’s untap step, Unwinding Clock essentially implicates commanding continuous card advantage against your opponents, as you have the liberty to utilize mana producing artifacts like mana rocks multiple times in a single round.

Resource Acceleration: When considering resource acceleration, Unwinding Clock is a power player. This allows your artifact cards to untap during each opponent’s untap step, thereby accelerating the frequency and the number of resources at your disposal. Moreover, it indirectly boosts your mana acceleration by making it possible to tap mana-producing artifacts more frequently.

Instant Speed: Crucial to note is that Unwinding Clock operates at instant speed. This means that you don’t need to wait for your own turn to exploit its effect; instead, it regularly untaps all the artifacts you control during every opponent’s untap step. Hence, Unwinding Clock theoretically provides instant speed utility in every round. It enables you to respond quickly and efficiently to the moves of other players while maintaining a robust performance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unwinding Clock doesn’t require an outright discard, but it can impair you if you’re already low on cards. As it’s a card designed to maximize artifact utility, not having sufficient artifacts can hurt your strategy, making you feel as though you’re discarding opportunities.

Specific Mana Cost: Even though Unwinding Clock only requires generic mana, four colorless, the cost to cast can be restrictive for certain deck types/color strategies, potentially stalling your plays.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, Unwinding Clock can be quite costly for the effect it offers. There are alternatives in MTG which may provide you with similar benefits for less mana, allowing for more efficient plays and resource balance.


Reasons to Include Unwinding Clock in Your Collection

Versatility: Unwinding Clock stands out for its flexibility. This artifact can fit into a variety of decks particularly those with strategies that rely on untapping artifacts during opponent’s turns. It combines well with mana-producing or ability-packed artifacts enhancing the deck’s performance.

Combo Potential: Pairing Unwinding Clock with other powerful artifacts opens up vast combo opportunities. It synergies well with artifacts that get boosted or trigger abilities during untapping, giving your gameplay strategy a formidable edge.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where artifact-based or control strategies are prevalent, Unwinding Clock holds considerable clout. It benefits decks that aim to maximize the use of artifacts and maintain control by keeping options open during every player’s turn.


How to beat

Among the numerous fascinating mechanics in Magic: The Gathering, dealing with an Unwinding Clock could pose a substantial challenge. This powerful artifact allows a player to untap all nonland permanents during each other player’s untap step. Considering its impact, understanding how to handle it could tip the scales of the game in your favor.

The key to handling the Unwinding Clock lies mainly in finding removal spells or abilities that can interact with artifacts. One such spell is Relic Crush, which allows a player to destroy target artifact or enchantment, along with another artifact or enchantment the player controls. By employing it within your gameplay, you can dismantle the Unwinding Clock, mitigating its untap advantage.

Naturalize is another tool at disposal, an instant that destroys target artifact or enchantment. It has a cost of just two mana, making it a reliable and cheap option in most matchups involving the Unwinding Clock. By identifying and utilizing these counter measures appropriately, a player can maintain solid footing regardless of the opponent’s Unwinding Clock.

In essence, effective countering strategies against Unwinding Clock augment your capability to handle diverse mechanisms in Magic: The Gathering, bolstering overall gameplay prowess considerably.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the rhythm of MTG is all about finding synergy and staying ahead of your opponents. With Unwinding Clock, you unlock a dimension of uninterrupted flow, allowing your artifacts to fuel your strategies around the clock. It’s about creating a network of interactions that give you the edge—whether it’s powering up for a big play or enabling instant responses. Strategize with Unwinding Clock to amplify your artifact game, while keeping an eye on potential counters. To discover more tactics and evolve your deck-building skills, dive deeper with us and harness the full potential of your MTG collection.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unwinding Clock MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia and Commander 2018, 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 Unwinding Clock and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Unwinding Clock Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-05-13New PhyrexiaNPH 1642003NormalBlackMike Bierek
22018-08-09Commander 2018C18 2282015NormalBlackMike Bierek
32020-09-26The ListPLST NPH-1642003NormalBlackMike Bierek
42022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 611997NormalBlackMike Bierek
52022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 1241997NormalBlackDavid Astruga
62022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 124z1997NormalBlackDavid Astruga

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unwinding Clock has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unwinding Clock card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2011-06-01 Even if you control more than one Unwinding Clock, you'll only untap your artifacts once during each other player's untap step.
2011-06-01 Some effects, such as the one generated by Rust Tick's ability, state that an artifact doesn't untap during its controller's untap step. These effects won't apply and stop the artifact from untapping during another player's untap step.
2011-06-01 Those artifacts untap at the same time as the active player's permanents. You have no choice about what untaps and can't choose to not untap an artifact you control.