Windreader Sphinx MTG Card


Windreader Sphinx excels in decks that utilize numerous flying creatures to maximize card draw potential. It is a strategic piece in blue decks and can fit well with both card advantage and combo strategies. Addressing the Sphinx’s presence on the board requires tactical card choices, such as board sweepers or targeted removal.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 7

Text of card

Flying Whenever a creature with flying attacks, you may draw a card.

"Your mind is too filled with foolish concerns to hear the subtle whispers that the breeze brings."


Cards like Windreader Sphinx

Windreader Sphinx emerges as a notable creature in the realm of card draw for blue decks within Magic: The Gathering. It shares the card advantage trait with fellow flyers like Consecrated Sphinx, which also provides a substantial boost in cards in hand. However, the Windreader Sphinx draws cards at a steadier pace, triggered specifically by flying creatures, while Consecrated Sphinx can potentially draw more cards by capitalizing on opponents’ draws.

A closer examination reveals similarities to Dream Eater, another blue creature that can influence the board with its ability and provide card selection; nonetheless, Dream Eater lacks the consistent draw mechanism Windreader Sphinx offers. Azure Mage stands as a more accessible card in terms of mana cost, allowing repeated card draw, but its dependence on mana investment and lack of a flying body means it doesn’t supplement the battlefield like Windreader Sphinx does.

In the landscape of flying creatures that enable users to draw cards, Windreader Sphinx presents an appealing balance between its ability to build a player’s hand and its presence as a flying threat, distinguishing itself among creatures that foster card advantage within the game.

Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Dream Eater - MTG Card versions
Azure Mage - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Dream Eater - MTG Card versions
Azure Mage - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Windreader Sphinx ensures a steady flow of cards into your hand. Whenever a creature with flying attacks, you get to draw a card. This can significantly bolster your hand, providing more options and answers on subsequent turns.

Resource Acceleration: While Windreader Sphinx itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its ability can indirectly facilitate it by drawing into ramp spells or creatures that can help you play bigger threats earlier.

Instant Speed: While the Sphinx’s ability is not at instant speed per se, it synergizes well with creatures that have flash or can be brought into play at instant speed. This lets you maximize the draw potential during the combat phase, even on your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite not requiring a card discard, Windreader Sphinx demands a significant board presence to fully capitalize on its abilities, which may be challenging in fast-paced games or against sweepers.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost includes two blue mana symbols, posing a potential issue in decks that are not heavily blue, thus reducing its versatility across multiple archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of seven mana to bring to the battlefield, Windreader Sphinx’s effect, which draws cards upon flying creatures attacking, might come into play too late in the game where earlier advantage could be more critical.


Reasons to Include Windreader Sphinx in Your Collection

Versatility: Windreader Sphinx is a card that blends well with various blue-based decks, particularly ones that thrive on card advantage. Its ability to draw a card whenever a creature with flying attacks ensures sustained draws in flying-heavy or blue tempo decks.

Combo Potential: This card’s unique ability to draw extra cards opens the door for combos with other cards that trigger upon drawing or having a large hand size. It can serve as a catalyst in decks centered on drawing mechanics or even in ones that capitalize on discarding for value.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where flying creatures are prevalent, Windreader Sphinx can be a critical addition. Its relevance increases if the battlefield is dominated by strategies that rely upon air superiority, making it a must-have for players looking to maintain a competitive edge.


How to beat

Overcoming a Windreader Sphinx in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic depth and an understanding of its leverage in a match. This powerful flyer has the potential to turn the tides with its ability offering card draw each time a creature with flying attacks. Naturally, minimizing flying creatures in play can blunt its impact. Adding more removal spells or sweepers such as Wrath of God to your deck can help control the board and ensure that the Sphinx’s advantage is kept to a minimum.

Alternatively, focus on non-creature strategies. Cards that deny your opponent the benefit, like Narset, Parter of Veils, restrict card drawing capabilities, effectively countering the sphinx’s strength. Engaging in aggressive tactics early in the game can also stop your opponent from stabilizing the board with a Windreader Sphinx. Rushing them with ground forces or using direct damage spells to maintain pressure can prevent the long game where the sphinx thrives.

Lastly, employing exile effects or bounce spells that sidestep traditional destruction can be crucial. Exiling it with a spell like Path to Exile ensures that the threat doesn’t come back, while bouncing it with a card like Unsummon can reset your opponent’s tempo. Either way, a balanced approach between negating the creature’s strengths and advancing your game plan is key.


BurnMana Recommendations

Card advantage is critical in MTG and Windreader Sphinx serves as a commanding force in fueling this strategy. Any player looking to strengthen their deck with consistent card draw, especially when capitalized upon with flying creatures, should consider adding this card to their collection. Diving into the nuances of deck building and card synergy will enhance your gameplay experience significantly. Seek out ideal combinations and strategies that can help Windreader Sphinx reach its fullest potential. Elevate your MTG knowledge by checking out more insights and strategies that can transform your navigational skills across the battlefield into tangible victories. Take the leap and expand your MTG prowess with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Windreader Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014 and Core Set 2019 Promos, 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 Windreader Sphinx and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Windreader Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2013-07-19 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Min Yum.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-07-19Magic 2014M14 812003NormalBlackMin Yum
22018-07-13Core Set 2019 PromosPM19 84s2015NormalBlackMin Yum
32018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 842015NormalBlackMin Yum
42020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1942015NormalBlackMin Yum
52020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 412015NormalBlackMin Yum

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Windreader Sphinx has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-07-13 It doesn’t matter who controls the creature with flying or which player or planeswalker that creature is attacking. Windreader Sphinx’s controller is the player who may draw a card.
2018-07-13 The creature must have flying immediately after being declared as an attacking creature in order for Windreader Sphinx’s ability to trigger. For example, attacking with Kitesail Corsair will cause the ability to trigger, and attacking with Pegasus Courser and a creature without flying will cause the ability to trigger only once.
2018-07-13 Windreader Sphinx’s ability will trigger when it itself attacks.