Among the many controversial cards in Magic: The Gathering, Void Winnower frequently surfaces in Reddit discussions, particularly within Commander (EDH) communities. Known for its oppressive effect and unusual wording, Void Winnower divides the player base between those who love its strategic impact and those who see it as an unfair lock piece. Debates on Reddit often explore its rule interactions, deck inclusion, and whether its design supports healthy gameplay. Whether you’re browsing MTG Reddit threads or curating your own Commander brew, understanding the broader context surrounding Void Winnower can help clarify its place in the game’s ecosystem.
What Is Void Winnower?
Card Overview
Void Winnower is a colorless Eldrazi creature introduced in Battle for Zendikar. It costs {9} mana and has an intimidating presence both in flavor and mechanics. Here’s the original text:
Your opponents can’t cast spells with even mana values. (Zero is even.) Your opponents can’t block with creatures with even mana values.
Its 11/9 body matches the chaotic and brutal nature of Eldrazi design. While it’s a heavy investment, its impact on the game state is often immediate and disruptive.
Why the Card Stands Out
Void Winnower doesn’t simply restrict a color or card type it nullifies a wide swath of the game based on mana value parity. This makes it unpredictable and often frustrating to play against, especially in singleton formats like EDH where mana curves vary widely. The no even spells clause has inspired countless Reddit posts debating its fairness, rules intricacies, and place in casual metas.
Void Winnower on Reddit
Community Reactions
On Reddit, particularly in subreddits like r/magicTCG and r/EDH, Void Winnower often appears in posts that start with titles like Is this card fair?, Can someone explain Void Winnower?, or Void Winnower ruined our table. These discussions typically revolve around the following points:
- Is it fair to use in casual games?
- Does it break social contracts in Commander?
- How do you counter or play around it?
- Is it worth including in competitive decks?
While some players appreciate the tactical challenge Void Winnower brings, many threads highlight its polarizing nature. One user might describe it as a fun Eldrazi flavor bomb, while another sees it as a win-more card that shuts down interaction entirely.
Reddit Thread Highlights
- Rule confusion: Many posts dive into whether 0 is considered even (it is), and which cards are affected.
- Commander etiquette: Users frequently debate if casting Void Winnower early is poor sportsmanship.
- Deck tech: Players share decklists showcasing how Void Winnower fits into Eldrazi tribal, colorless ramp, or stax-style builds.
- Salt scores: Some of the most upvoted comments include references to salt levels, with players sharing how Void Winnower made games feel one-sided or unfun.
Rules Complexity and Misunderstandings
Even Mana Values
One of the most common points of confusion about Void Winnower is how it defines ‘even mana values.’ According to official rulings, any card with a converted mana cost (now called mana value) that is divisible by 2 including 0 is considered even. This affects many staple cards, including:
- Counterspell (MV 2)
- Wrath of God (MV 4)
- Sol Ring (MV 1 unaffected)
- Cyclonic Rift (MV 2 cannot be cast)
Blocking Restrictions
In addition to locking out spells, Void Winnower prevents creatures with even mana values from blocking. This secondary clause often catches players off guard, especially in creature-heavy metas. Many Reddit stories involve a player thinking they can still defend themselves, only to realize their board of 2-, 4-, and 6-mana creatures is entirely shut down.
Stacking with Other Effects
Void Winnower’s impact becomes more pronounced when combined with other hate pieces. On Reddit, players share how decks use cards like Karn, the Great Creator, Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre, or Trinisphere alongside Void Winnower to lock down the board almost entirely. These interactions contribute to its negative reputation in certain circles.
Commander Applications
Popular Commanders that Run Void Winnower
Void Winnower often finds a home in decks that can ramp to 9 mana quickly or cheat it into play. Common Commanders include:
- Kozilek, the Great Distortion Offers massive ramp and draw to support Void Winnower early.
- Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow Uses Void Winnower’s high mana value to deal heavy damage through ninjutsu triggers.
- Muldrotha, the Gravetide Recurs high-value threats like Void Winnower from the graveyard.
- Rakdos, Lord of Riots Reduces Void Winnower’s casting cost drastically in a damage-heavy build.
Strategic Utility
Void Winnower excels against combo and control decks that rely on low, efficient spells like tutors, board wipes, and counters all of which often have even mana values. By shutting down these options, Void Winnower can delay or prevent opponents from executing their game plan.
Commander Table Etiquette
This is where Reddit debates get especially heated. Many players view EDH as a social format, and cards that severely hinder other players’ decks without a direct win condition can be frowned upon. Posts often debate whether including Void Winnower breaks the table’s rule zero expectations. Some playgroups allow it, others ban it altogether. Redditors often advise players to discuss their deck’s intent before the game starts.
Dealing With Void Winnower
Answers and Counters
Despite its power, Void Winnower is not unbeatable. Smart deck construction and sideboarding in formats where that applies can neutralize its effect. Here are common ways to handle it:
- Removal: Swords to Plowshares, Terminate, and other odd-mana-value removal spells are still legal under Void Winnower’s lock.
- Countermagic: Odd-cost counters like Mana Drain (MV 3) or Disdainful Stroke (MV 2 unfortunately even!) need to be reviewed carefully.
- Reanimation theft: Cards like Reanimate or Gonti, Lord of Luxury allow players to steal or use Void Winnower against its original caster.
- Direct damage: Spot removal or combat tricks can help deal with it once on the board.
Prevention and Politics
In Commander, using table politics is a common way to prevent someone from casting Void Winnower unchecked. On Reddit, users frequently share stories about ganging up on the player who drops it early, forcing a shared effort to remove the card before it snowballs into a win.
Why Reddit Loves to Hate Void Winnower
Flavor vs. Function
As a flavor piece, Void Winnower is brilliantly designed. The concept of an entity that arbitrarily decides what is acceptable to exist matches the unknowable horror of the Eldrazi. Reddit users sometimes defend the card based on this thematic strength alone. However, functionally, it can lead to feel-bad moments, especially when players are locked out of the game with no recourse.
Is It Ban-Worthy?
Despite its power, Void Winnower is not banned in EDH or other formats. Many Reddit users argue that banning it would open the door to removing many other disruptive but fair cards. Others, particularly casual players, think Void Winnower walks the line too closely and hurts the format’s accessibility.
Void Winnower is one of Magic: The Gathering’s most polarizing cards, and Reddit is the prime battleground for its defenders and critics. Its ability to shut down spells and combat interactions based on mana value is both innovative and oppressive, depending on how and where it’s used. While the card is entirely legal and can be strategically effective, its impact on table dynamics, particularly in Commander, makes it a constant subject of debate. Whether you love Void Winnower or loathe it, understanding how it fits into broader MTG discourse is essential for navigating modern Magic metas especially in the age of community-driven discussions.
#kebawah#