Void Winnower has long stood as one of Magic: The Gathering’s most controversial and powerful colorless creatures. Known for its ability to distort the game’s very foundation by shutting down even-numbered spells, Void Winnower quickly became a staple in many Commander decks. With the release of its Secret Lair variant, this Eldrazi horror receives a fresh new take, sparking renewed interest among collectors, competitive players, and casual fans alike. The Void Winnower Secret Lair not only brings unique artwork but also prompts many to revisit the rules, interactions, and strategy behind this bizarre and dominating card.
Understanding Void Winnower’s Core Abilities
Card Text and Mechanic Breakdown
Void Winnower is a 9-mana colorless Eldrazi creature with the following abilities:
- Your opponents can’t cast spells with even converted mana costs.
- Zero is even.
- Your opponents can’t block with creatures that have even converted mana costs.
These abilities redefine the flow of the game. Many spells and creatures in Magic have even mana values 2, 4, 6, and so on. The card essentially slices your opponents’ toolboxes in half. This can lead to locked game states, as opponents find themselves unable to cast major threats, board wipes, or even key ramp spells.
Mana Value vs Converted Mana Cost
It’s worth noting that the term converted mana cost has been officially replaced by mana value, though older printings still use the former terminology. The rule remains the same: cards with a total mana cost of 2, 4, 6, etc., are considered even and cannot be cast or used to block when Void Winnower is on the battlefield.
Secret Lair Version: What’s New?
Alternate Art and Thematic Presentation
The Secret Lair: Void Winnower edition brings a dramatic new look to this terrifying Eldrazi. These Secret Lair drops often feature unique artwork styles ranging from comic-book interpretations to surreal and minimalist art. The Void Winnower version leans into its horror aesthetic, highlighting the fear and confusion it brings to opponents with a striking visual style.
Collectors value these cards for their scarcity and visual uniqueness. The Secret Lair printing doesn’t change the gameplay mechanics, but it enhances the visual presence of the card on the battlefield. In formats like Commander, where flair matters, the Secret Lair version of Void Winnower makes a bold statement.
Foil and Non-Foil Options
Like many Secret Lair drops, Void Winnower was offered in both foil and non-foil versions. Players often debate the merits of foil cards while some love the shimmering effect, others avoid them due to curling issues. In terms of gameplay, both versions are identical.
Void Winnower in Commander (EDH)
Why It’s Feared at the Table
Void Winnower’s impact in EDH is particularly pronounced. Most Commander decks rely on powerful even-cost spells think board wipes like Wrath of God (4 mana), ramp spells like Cultivate (3 mana for setup, but others like Kodama’s Reach fall under even costs), and win conditions at 6, 8, or 10 mana. Shutting these down can dramatically slow or completely halt an opponent’s plan.
Decks That Use Void Winnower Effectively
This Eldrazi finds a home in many Commander decks, especially those that can ramp aggressively or cheat big creatures into play. Some popular archetypes include:
- Colorless Eldrazi decks: These decks can easily cast Void Winnower due to access to ramp like Sol Ring, Mana Vault, and Ancient Tomb.
- Mono-green ramp: Utilizing cards like Selvala, Heart of the Wilds or Nyxbloom Ancient, these decks reach 9 mana with ease.
- Reanimator decks: Black-based decks that use cards like Reanimate or Entomb to bring Void Winnower onto the field early can ruin opponents’ early turns.
Combos and Synergies
Void Winnower doesn’t necessarily need combos to shine, but it pairs well with cards that further limit opponent actions:
- Defense Grid:Makes it harder for opponents to cast instants during your turn.
- Karn, the Great Creator:Shuts off opposing mana rocks, layering lockdown with Void Winnower’s restrictions.
- Torpor Orb:Prevents ETB effects, forcing your opponent to rely on raw stats rather than abilities.
Rules Questions and Interactions
Can You Counter Void Winnower?
Yes, but only if your counterspell has an odd mana value. Popular counterspells like Negate (2 mana) or Counterspell (2 mana) cannot be cast if Void Winnower is already on the battlefield. This means the best way to stop it is before it resolves, with cards like Force of Will (5 mana alternative cost) or Mana Drain (also 2 mana, so would be shut down).
What About Split Cards?
Split cards are evaluated by the individual halves and the total mana cost. If either half has an even mana value, and you’re casting that half, you can’t cast it with Void Winnower out. This makes split cards slightly more complicated under Void Winnower’s influence, and judges sometimes get involved in competitive settings to clarify interactions.
Tokens and Blocking
Tokens with no mana cost typically have a mana value of 0, which is considered even. Therefore, opponents cannot block with most tokens like Soldier or Zombie tokens. This makes Void Winnower especially good in decks that go wide with creatures, as most blockers will be invalidated.
Is Void Winnower Fair?
Debate Among the Community
Void Winnower sits in a controversial place in Magic’s history. Some argue that the card is unfun, limiting interactivity and creating feel-bad moments. Others love its uniqueness and flavor, appreciating the way it forces creative deck-building and timing strategies.
In many Commander groups, players might frown upon its inclusion if it’s consistently played early or locks down games without warning. But in more competitive circles, it’s a valid threat that must be answered or played around strategically.
Bans and Format Legality
Void Winnower is legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage, but banned in certain fan-created formats or house rules due to its oppressive nature. It is not legal in Modern, Pioneer, or Standard. Always check your playgroup’s stance if you’re unsure whether Void Winnower is a welcome guest at the table.
Collectibility and Value
Secret Lair Pricing
The Secret Lair version of Void Winnower has seen fluctuating prices based on collector interest and availability. Its uniqueness and powerful effect mean it often holds solid value, especially in foil. Unlike regular printings, Secret Lair drops are time-limited, so supply is restricted, driving long-term interest.
Investment Potential
For collectors who enjoy alternate art versions of powerful cards, the Secret Lair Void Winnower offers both aesthetics and playability. While its price may not spike instantly, its niche presence in Commander and appeal among Eldrazi fans suggest slow, steady growth over time.
The Secret Lair edition of Void Winnower gives new life to a card that already demands respect across many Magic formats. Its ability to reshape the battlefield by eliminating access to even-cost spells and blocks makes it a strategic powerhouse, particularly in Commander. Whether you’re adding it for its art, its power level, or its role in a larger Eldrazi deck, this version of Void Winnower is a standout. With smart deckbuilding and careful timing, it can become the cornerstone of your winning strategy.