Moonglove Winnower MTG Card


Efficient threat removal and indirect card advantage can be gained through the Moonglove Winnower’s unique ability. Optimized mana usage and gameplay pace stemmed from its cost-effective mana value, adding robustness to decks. Adaptability and meta-relevance make Moonglove Winnower a prudent choice against prevalent Elf archetypes.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elf Rogue
Abilities Deathtouch
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Deathtouch (Whenever this creature deals damage to a creature, destroy that creature.)

Winnowers live to eliminate eyeblights, creatures the elves deem too ugly to exist.


Cards like Moonglove Winnower

Moonglove Winnower is an interesting option among creature cards within the Magic: The Gathering realm. It stands alongside creatures like Shadow Alley Denizen that also affect the board with their abilities. Where Moonglove Winnower excels is in granting nonblack creatures the inability to block, which can be game-changing in the right deck. Contrast this with Shadow Alley Denizen, which temporarily gives just one creature the capability to bypass certain blocks each turn. This is a more targeted approach compared to the broader impact of the Winnower.

Considering other creatures of a similar vein, Skulking Knight presents a unique comparison. While not directly impacting blocking, it poses a formidable threat with its detrimental effect on opponents who target it. Moonglove Winnower, though lacking this self-defense mechanism, is nonetheless potent in disrupting opponent defenses on a larger scale. Another card worth mentioning is Nekrataal, which enters the battlefield and removes a threat outright, something the Winnower does not do, but the latter offers continuous control over combat dynamics.

In sum, Moonglove Winnower may not have the immediate impact of destroying a creature like Nekrataal, nor does it include the self-protection of Skulking Knight, but it carves a niche in tactical board control strategies that can define game outcomes.

Shadow Alley Denizen - MTG Card versions
Skulking Knight - MTG Card versions
Nekrataal - MTG Card versions
Shadow Alley Denizen - MTG Card versions
Skulking Knight - MTG Card versions
Nekrataal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Moonglove Winnower by color, type and mana cost

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Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Cabal Surgeon - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Gixian Puppeteer - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Moonglove Winnower provides strategic value by enabling removal of key creatures with its unique ability. This disruption can potentially lead to gaining indirect card advantage over an opponent by efficiently dealing with threats.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct accelerator of resources, its cost-effective mana value allows players to develop their board while keeping other options open, thus optimizing mana usage and pacing the game in their favor.

Instant Speed: While Moonglove Winnower itself does not function at instant speed, its deathtouch ability complements well with instant-speed removal spells in a player’s deck by threatening to trade with any attacking or blocking creature, no matter the size, adding a layer of battlefield control during any phase of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Moonglove Winnower comes with a downside for players who prefer to maintain a full hand. Its ability to destroy target non-Elf creature might seem handy in certain situations, but it requires you to let go of another card from your hand, which can sometimes leave you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if your in-hand options are all valuable.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes two black mana, the card’s usefulness is restricted to black-centric or compatible multicolor decks. For players who run decks without a strong black mana base, including the Winnower could make for cumbersome deck adjustments or simply render it a dead card in their hands during play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three total mana with two being specifically black, the Moonglove Winnower might be a card that costs just a tad more than some players are willing to pay for creature removal. In a game where tempo can be crucial, allocating three mana to remove a single non-Elf creature may not be the most cost-efficient play, especially when there are cheaper removal options available in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Moonglove Winnower is an adaptable card that can be a tactical inclusion in decks aiming to disrupt opponents’ strategies. Its ability to remove Elves, an ever-present tribe in various formats, makes it a smart pick for sideboards in particular.

Combo Potential: By specifically targeting one of the most common creature types, this card allows players to engineer board states to their advantage, potentially clearing the way for their own win conditions. It can also be used with cards that exploit enemy deaths or creature-type-based mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: With Elves being a recurring archetype in multiple MTG formats, Moonglove Winnower holds its own as a relevant card. Its role as an elf-killer ensures its utility remains solid in environments where Elf decks are prevalent or on the rise.


How to beat

Moonglove Winnower is a creature card that poses a unique challenge on the battlefield. Its ability to render non-elf creatures unable to block is a strategic advantage that can be difficult to overcome if not addressed promptly. To counter Moonglove Winnower’s effect, one strategy is to remove it from play. This can be achieved through various removal spells, such as Murder or Doom Blade, which allow you to directly target and destroy the troublesome creature. Another method is to include creatures with reach or flying in your deck, which are not impeded by the Winnower’s ability and can block as normal. Additionally, having instant-speed removal spells at the ready enables you to react swiftly during your opponent’s combat phase, ensuring that the Winnower’s effect doesn’t disrupt your defensive line.

In terms of board presence, it is essential to maintain a versatile and resilient lineup. Consider including an array of creatures with different abilities to mitigate the impact of the Winnower’s selective blocking restriction. With the right mix of removals, versatile creatures, and responsive strategy, overcoming the challenge posed by Moonglove Winnower becomes a manageable task on your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Moonglove Winnower MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Duels of the Planeswalkers, 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 Moonglove Winnower and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Moonglove Winnower Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2010-06-04. Illustrated by William O'Connor.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-10-12LorwynLRW 1262003NormalBlackWilliam O'Connor
22010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 292003NormalBlackWilliam O'Connor

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Moonglove Winnower has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal