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[[File:ORI Spindown life counter.png|thumb|right|''[[Magic Origins]]'' spindown life counters]]
A '''life counter''' is a device to keep track of [[life]] totals.
A '''life counter''' is a device to keep track of [[life]] totals.
==Types==
==Types==
===''Scrye'' counter===
===''Scrye'' counter===
[[Image:Scrye counter 1.jpg|thumb|''Scrye'' life counter]]
''[[Scrye]]'' magazine sold a series of pewter life counters produced by [http://www.reapermini.com/Reaper Miniatures] beginning in [[1994]].  The counters were made in two pieces. The 2-inch base was etched with the numbers 1-20 along the edge. A rotating piece with an indicator arrow was put on top, and featured artwork or miniature figure. These came in several colors and styles and could be painted by the owner just like similar miniatures. These counters were not official ''Magic'' products but were very popular with players of the time.
''[[Scrye]]'' magazine sold a series of pewter life counters produced by [[Reaper Miniatures]] beginning in [[1994]].  The counters were made in two pieces. The 2 inch base was etched with the numbers 1-20 along the edge. A rotating piece with an indicator arrow was put on top, and featured artwork or miniature figure. These came in several colors and styles and could be painted by the owner just like similar miniatures. These counters were not official ''Magic'' products, but were very popular with players of the time.


===''Duelist'' counter===
===''Duelist'' counter===
[[Image:Life Counter Duelist.jpg|thumb|''Duelist'' life counter]]
Sold by ''[[The Duelist]]'' since 1995, these sturdy, finely crafted pewter counters let you mark off lives with brass- and silver-plated beads. They were available in the 5 mana colors. The counter fits in a ''[[Magic]]'' deck box.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/duelist-life-counters-2009-07-30|''Duelist'' Life Counters|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2009}}</ref>
Sold by ''[[The Duelist]]'' since 1995, these sturdy, finely crafted pewter counters let you mark off lifes with brass- and silver-plated beads. They were avalaible in the 5 mana colors. The counter fit in a ''[[Magic]]'' deck box. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/244|''Duelist'' Life Counters|[[Magic Arcana]]|July 30, 2009}}</ref>


===Spindown life counter===
===Spindown life counter===
[[File:Spindown life counter.jpg|thumb|Spindown life counter illustrating how numbers are sequentially next to each other, arrows do not appear on the counter itself.]]
[[File:Spindown life counter.jpg|thumb|Spindown life counter illustrating how numbers are sequentially next to each other, arrows do not appear on the counter itself]]
A spindown life counter is a die that is designed for the express purpose of keeping track of life totals. Its sides are in a sequence such that adjacent numbers are next to each other, facilitating the change of life total and avoiding any complications with finding the desired life total. This is different from a standard 20-sided die, on which the numbers that are opposite of each other on the die add up to 21 (1 is opposite from 20, 2 is opposite from 19, and so on), as is traditional for dice in general.
A spindown life counter is a 20-sided die that is designed for the express purpose of keeping track of life totals. The side is numbered that adjacent numbers are next to each other, facilitating the change of life total and avoiding any complications with finding the desired value. This is different from the conventional numbering of opposite sides adding to the same value (opposite sides sum to 21, 1 is opposite from 20, 2 is opposite from 19, and so on).
 
The "20" on a spindown life counter is usually replaced with an [[expansion symbol]] (or in the case of [[core set]]s the appropriate number). There are exceptions, such as the life counters for ''[[Ninth Edition]]'' and ''[[Tenth Edition]]'' had the logos replace numbers 9 and 10 respectively, the life counters included in the ''[[Strixhaven: School of Mages]]'' prerelease packs have the college logos replacing the number 20, or in ''[[Game Night 2019]]'' and ''[[Game Night: Free-for-All|Game Night: Free-For-All]]'' there were no logos.


The "20" on a spindown life counter is replaced with an [[expansion symbol]] (or in the case of [[core set]]s the appropriate number).
The first spindown life counters appeared in ''[[Beatdown]]'' box set. They are generally found in [[fat pack]]s / [[bundle]]s, beginning with ''[[Apocalypse]]'', and are generally made in the five [[Magic: The Gathering]] colors ([[white]], [[blue]], [[black]], [[red]], [[green]]) for each set.  There was a gold-colored spindown life counter in the ''[[Alara Reborn]]'' fat pack as the set is gold based.


Spindown life counters are generally found in [[fat pack]]s, and are made in the five [[Magic: The Gathering]] colors ([[white]], [[blue]], [[black]], [[red]], [[green]]) for each set. There was a gold-colored spindown life counter in the ''[[Alara Reborn]]'' fat pack as the set is gold based.
A five-piece set, containing one of each color, was sold as a standalone product (WOC06137, ISBN-13 978-0743002377). The symbol used was an icon of the <c>Black Lotus</c>.


A five-piece set, containing one of each color, was sold as a standalone product (WOC06137, ISBN 0743002377). The symbol used was an icon of the <c>Black Lotus</c>.
Starting with ''[[Core Set 2020]]'' spindown life counters included in bundles became oversized (27mm instead of the usual 22mm in size). Starting with ''[[Zendikar Rising]]'', Wizards of the Coast updated the orientation of the numbers on the life counter to make it a little more intuitive and satisfying to use.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/zendikar-rising-product-overview-2020-09-02|''Zendikar Rising'' Product Overview|Ari Zirulnik|September 2, 2020}}</ref>


===Circle spinner===
===Circle spinner===
[[File:Life Counter Ravnica.jpg|right|thumb|Circle spinner]]
In ''Coldsnap''<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/coldsnap-cube-2009-11-30|''Coldsnap'' Cube|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 30, 2009}}</ref> and the [[Ravnica block]], Wizards chose to try a different approach. Instead of dice, a plastic life counter with a circle spinner that had numbers going from 1 to 30 was included in fat packs for the block. These life counters were not unlike those that were provided on ''Magic: The Gathering''-branded [[Ultra Pro]] [[deck box]]es.
[[File:Life Counter Deck box.jpg|right|thumb|Double Circle spinner on Ultra Pro Deck box]]
In ''Coldsnap'' <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/331|''Coldsnap'' Cube|[[Magic Arcana]]|November 30, 2009}}</ref> and the [[Ravnica block]], Wizards chose to try a different approach. Instead of dice, a plastic life counter with a circle spinner that had numbers going from 1 to 30 was included in fat packs for the block. These life counters were not unlike those that were provided on ''Magic: The Gathering''-branded [[Ultra Pro]] [[deck box]]es.


Some odd-shaped circle spinners were provided for ''[[Ninth Edition]]'' (an [[angel]]) and ''[[Unhinged]]'' (an eight ball). <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/1121|The Life Counters|[[Monty Ashley]]|December 10, 2012}}</ref>
Some odd-shaped circle spinners were provided for ''[[Ninth Edition]]'' (an [[angel]]) and ''[[Unhinged]]'' (an eight-ball).<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/life-counters-2012-12-10|The Life Counters|[[Monty Ashley]]|December 10, 2012}}</ref>


===Double-wheeled counter===
===Double-wheeled counter===
[[Image:Life Counter Arsenal.jpg|right|thumb|Double-wheeled counter]]
''[[Commander's Arsenal]]'' provided a doubled-wheeled counter that goes up to 99 life.
[[Commander's Arsenal]] provides a doubled wheeled that goes up to 99 life.
 
These were also included in ''[[Archenemy: Nicol Bolas]]'' and ''[[Commander Anthology]]''. Bone-colored "click-wheels" with blood-red ink were available as a [[WPN]] promotional item for ''[[Phyrexia: All Will Be One]]''.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://wpn.wizards.com/en/news/use-phyrexian-click-wheel-promotion-spark-player-engagement|title=Use the Phyrexian Click-wheel Promotion to Spark Player Engagement|author=[[WPN]]|date=January 10, 2023|publisher=[[Wizards Play Network]]}}</ref>
 
===Life wheel===
The life wheel is a card with a numbered wheel embedded into it to help you keep score. It was introduced with the ''[[Throne of Eldraine]]'' [[Brawl]] decks.<ref name="Booster Fun">{{DailyRef|making-magic/project-booster-fun-2019-07-20|Project Booster Fun|[[Mark Rosewater]]|July 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{TwitterRef|GavinVerhey|1169733864425525248|author=[[Gavin Verhey]]|title=For all those wondering what the new life wheel in the MTG Eldraine Brawl Decks looks like... check it out!|date=September 6, 2019}}</ref>


===Electronic life counter ===
===Electronic life counter ===
Several apps are available to provide electronic life counters for mobile devices or Windows PC.
Several apps are available to provide electronic life counters for mobile devices or Windows PC.
===Gallery===
 
In 2018, [[Wizards of the Coast]] announced the [[Magic: The Gathering Portal]] app, but it was canceled and instead, they replaced it with [[Magic: The Gathering Companion]].<ref name="Announcing">{{DailyRef|CompanionApp|Announcing the Official Magic Companion App, Magic: The Gathering Portal|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|February 14, 2018}}</ref>
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Scrye counter 1.jpg|''Scrye'' life counter
File:Scrye counter 2.jpg|''Scrye'' life counter (2)
File:Life Counter Duelist.jpg|''Duelist'' life counter
File:Life Counter Ravnica.jpg|Circle spinner
File:Life Counter Deck box.jpg|Double Circle spinner on Ultra Pro Deck box
File:Life Counter Arsenal.jpg|Double-wheeled counter
File:Spindown life counters.jpg|Black Lotus five-counter pack
File:Spindown life counters.jpg|Black Lotus five-counter pack
File:DTK Spindown life counter.jpg|[[Dragonfury]] counters (''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]'')
File:DTK Spindown life counter.jpg|[[Dragonfury]] counters (''[[Dragons of Tarkir]]'')
File:ORI Spindown life counter.png|''[[Magic Origins]]'' counters
File:Ultra Pro life counter.png|[[Ultra Pro]] life counter
File:Ultra Pro life counter.png|[[Ultra Pro]] life counter
File:BFZ life counter.jpg|''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' life counter
File:BFZ hedron life counter.jpg|[[Hedron]]-shaped ''Battle for Zendikar'' life counter
File:EMN life counter.png|''[[Eldritch Moon]]'' life counter
File:AKH life counter.png|''[[Amonkhet]]'' "lazotep" life counter
File:MTG Portal on phone.png|[[Magic: The Gathering Portal]]
File:Life Counter Arena League.jpg|[[Arena League]] life counter
File:Life Counter 10th anniversary.jpg|''Magic'' 10th anniversary life counter wheel
File:Oversized life counter.png|''[[Core Set 2020]]'' oversized life counter compared to ''[[War of the Spark]]'' life counter
File:Life Wheel.png|Life wheel provided with ''[[Throne of Eldraine]]'' [[Brawl Deck]]s.
File:VOW Glow life counter.jpg|''[[Innistrad: Crimson Vow]]'' "glow-in-the dark" life counter.
File:VOW Blood life counter.jpg|''[[Innistrad: Crimson Vow]]'' "blood" life counter.
File:NEO life counter.png|''[[Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty]]'' "Ogre Helm" life counter.
File:B&G Dragon life counter 2.jpg|[[Beadle & Grimm's]] [[dragon]] life counter.
File:ONE Phyrexian Click-wheel.png|''[[Phyrexia: All Will Be One]]'' click-wheel.<ref>{{DailyRef|announcements/get-a-phyrexian-click-wheel-gift-from-your-local-game-store|Get a Phyrexian Click-Wheel Promo From Your Local game Store|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|February 28, 2023}}</ref>
File:ONE Phyrexian life counter.jpg|[[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian]] life counter
File:Behold Phyrexia life counters.jpg|''[[Behold New Phyrexia]]'':<br>ten-sided [[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian]] life counters
</gallery>
</gallery>


===References===
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Life counters|*]]
==External links==
*[http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WIZARDS_OF_THE_COAST_MAGIC.html All ''Magic'' dice at the Dicecollector.com]
 
[[Category:Life counters]]

Latest revision as of 10:03, 31 March 2023

Magic Origins spindown life counters

A life counter is a device to keep track of life totals.

Types

Scrye counter

Scrye magazine sold a series of pewter life counters produced by Miniatures beginning in 1994. The counters were made in two pieces. The 2-inch base was etched with the numbers 1-20 along the edge. A rotating piece with an indicator arrow was put on top, and featured artwork or miniature figure. These came in several colors and styles and could be painted by the owner just like similar miniatures. These counters were not official Magic products but were very popular with players of the time.

Duelist counter

Sold by The Duelist since 1995, these sturdy, finely crafted pewter counters let you mark off lives with brass- and silver-plated beads. They were available in the 5 mana colors. The counter fits in a Magic deck box.[1]

Spindown life counter

Spindown life counter illustrating how numbers are sequentially next to each other, arrows do not appear on the counter itself

A spindown life counter is a 20-sided die that is designed for the express purpose of keeping track of life totals. The side is numbered that adjacent numbers are next to each other, facilitating the change of life total and avoiding any complications with finding the desired value. This is different from the conventional numbering of opposite sides adding to the same value (opposite sides sum to 21, 1 is opposite from 20, 2 is opposite from 19, and so on).

The "20" on a spindown life counter is usually replaced with an expansion symbol (or in the case of core sets the appropriate number). There are exceptions, such as the life counters for Ninth Edition and Tenth Edition had the logos replace numbers 9 and 10 respectively, the life counters included in the Strixhaven: School of Mages prerelease packs have the college logos replacing the number 20, or in Game Night 2019 and Game Night: Free-For-All there were no logos.

The first spindown life counters appeared in Beatdown box set. They are generally found in fat packs / bundles, beginning with Apocalypse, and are generally made in the five Magic: The Gathering colors (white, blue, black, red, green) for each set. There was a gold-colored spindown life counter in the Alara Reborn fat pack as the set is gold based.

A five-piece set, containing one of each color, was sold as a standalone product (WOC06137, ISBN-13 978-0743002377). The symbol used was an icon of the Black Lotus.

Starting with Core Set 2020 spindown life counters included in bundles became oversized (27mm instead of the usual 22mm in size). Starting with Zendikar Rising, Wizards of the Coast updated the orientation of the numbers on the life counter to make it a little more intuitive and satisfying to use.[2]

Circle spinner

In Coldsnap[3] and the Ravnica block, Wizards chose to try a different approach. Instead of dice, a plastic life counter with a circle spinner that had numbers going from 1 to 30 was included in fat packs for the block. These life counters were not unlike those that were provided on Magic: The Gathering-branded Ultra Pro deck boxes.

Some odd-shaped circle spinners were provided for Ninth Edition (an angel) and Unhinged (an eight-ball).[4]

Double-wheeled counter

Commander's Arsenal provided a doubled-wheeled counter that goes up to 99 life.

These were also included in Archenemy: Nicol Bolas and Commander Anthology. Bone-colored "click-wheels" with blood-red ink were available as a WPN promotional item for Phyrexia: All Will Be One.[5]

Life wheel

The life wheel is a card with a numbered wheel embedded into it to help you keep score. It was introduced with the Throne of Eldraine Brawl decks.[6][7]

Electronic life counter

Several apps are available to provide electronic life counters for mobile devices or Windows PC.

In 2018, Wizards of the Coast announced the Magic: The Gathering Portal app, but it was canceled and instead, they replaced it with Magic: The Gathering Companion.[8]

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Magic Arcana (July 30, 2009). "Duelist Life Counters". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Ari Zirulnik (September 2, 2020). "Zendikar Rising Product Overview". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Magic Arcana (November 30, 2009). "Coldsnap Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Monty Ashley (December 10, 2012). "The Life Counters". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ WPN (January 10, 2023). "Use the Phyrexian Click-wheel Promotion to Spark Player Engagement". Wizards Play Network.
  6. ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 21, 2019). "Project Booster Fun". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Gavin Verhey (September 6, 2019). "For all those wondering what the new life wheel in the MTG Eldraine Brawl Decks looks like... check it out!". Twitter.
  8. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (February 14, 2018). "Announcing the Official Magic Companion App, Magic: The Gathering Portal". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (February 28, 2023). "Get a Phyrexian Click-Wheel Promo From Your Local game Store". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

External links

Retrieved from "https://mtg.wiki/index.php?title=Life_counter&oldid=207356"