Yes, if you take the Oracle text word for word, you can activate the ability any time, because there's no line at the end saying, "You can only use this ability when your opponent casts an artifact spell."
So, if you go by the Oracle text, this card is a diamond in the rough, and a card that would definitely be used today.
If you go by the original, it's very lacking because it requires that your opponent plays an artifact for it to do anything.
Posted By:
Weretarrasque
(9/25/2009 8:12:44 AM)
@Lurker: I'd rather have actual clarification, as it's more of a bimodal card, with the second mode being countered upon resolution, as I'm looking at it. Could be wrong, but that's the reason Oracle text is made, and why it still needs to be updated on a few instances.
Posted By:
Dragon23
(11/23/2010 7:32:03 PM)
WotC, please give us some clarification on how this card currently works.
Posted By:
A3Kitsune
(2/15/2010 2:58:50 AM)
I have this as a Japanese Blackborder Chronicles.
WALL OF KANJI!!!! :D
Posted By:
Lord_of_Tresserhorn
(3/5/2012 7:47:05 PM)
Note that while it requires a target, it does work with a target that can't be countered (eg. if you use it with Vexing Shusher and make the artifact uncounterable.) In that case, it will resolve; you get to draw a card if you win the flip, while if you don't, it will try to counter the artifact, fail, and do nothing.
Posted By:
Aquillion
(7/7/2013 4:11:27 PM)
So, this gets you free cards regardless with Mishra, Artificer Prodigy. Either your spell gets countered and you pull it from the grave with Mishra's ability, or you draw a free card. Win-win, really. And it's a one drop? Lovely. 4/5.
Posted By:
Kelptic183
(7/20/2013 2:30:29 PM)