A-Master of Winds MTG Card


Offers card advantage by selectively drawing cards, setting up for favorable plays. Flexible in combat, switches power/toughness based on strategic needs. Loots upon casting spells, enhancing graveyard strategies and card utility.
A-Master of Winds - Zendikar Rising
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sphinx Wizard
Abilities Flying
Released2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set nameZendikar Rising
Set codeZNR
Power 1
Toughness 5
NumberA-68
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byYigit Koroglu

Text of card

Flying When Master of Winds enters the battlefield, draw two cards, then discard a card. Whenever you cast an instant, sorcery, or Wizard spell, you may have Master of Winds's base power and toughness become 5/1 or 1/5 until end of turn.


Cards like A-Master of Winds

Master of Winds stands out amongst its peers in the spell-slinging category of Magic The Gathering. When looking at other cards that pivot around casting spells, we can draw parallels with Murmuring Mystic. Both cards generate additional value from casting instants and sorceries. However, while Murmuring Mystic creates bird creature tokens, Master of Winds excels in flexibility, offering either a card draw mechanism or boosting itself in power.

Niv-Mizzet, Parun is another significant card in this conversation. It not only draws cards upon casting a noncreature spell but also pings any target, therefore providing both card advantage and a form of removal. Comparatively, Master of Winds requires a specific sorcery or instant to activate its abilities, yet it’s lower on the mana curve and thus can impact the game earlier.

Conclusively, when considered among a broad suite of spell-focused creatures, Master of Winds carves out its unique niche. With its ability to adapt to the current game state, either sculpting the player’s hand or serving as a formidable aerial threat, it holds its own within the pantheon of Magic The Gathering creature spells.

Murmuring Mystic - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Parun - MTG Card versions
Murmuring Mystic - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Parun - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to A-Master of Winds by color, type and mana cost

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Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Master of Winds enhances your strategic depth by providing card selection upon entering the battlefield or whenever you cast an instant, sorcery, or wizard spell, allowing you to sift through your deck and keep the tempo in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Not directly linked to resource acceleration, this card excels in setting up future plays by smoothing out draws, thus indirectly ensuring you get to your resources more efficiently.

Instant Speed: Works well with instant spells, reacting to the ever-changing game state. This creature’s flexibility to switch between a 1/4 and a 4/1 flyer at instant speed makes it a versatile threat or blocker, depending on your needs mid-game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Master of Winds demands discarding a card to activate its second ability, which can be a significant setback when hand strength is critical to maintaining gameplay momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s requirement for both blue and generic mana may not seamlessly fit into multicolor decks, potentially restricting its versatility across a wider array of strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two colorless and double blue, there are instances where players could be deterred by the four-mana investment, especially when other creatures or spells at this cost threshold may deliver immediate or more impactful advantages on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Master of Winds offers a diverse skill set that can adapt to varying game states. This creature shines in decks that capitalize on instant and sorcery spells, changing its approach depending on the needs of the moment.

Combo Potential: Once on the field, this card can align with numerous strategies, particularly in decks that manipulate card draw or treasure its prowess in changing power and toughness. Its ability to loot—drawing and discarding cards—can set the stage for powerful graveyard synergy.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where tempo plays are essential, Master of Winds excels. Its immediate impact upon entering the battlefield can disrupt opponents and provide a swift advantage in aerial battles, establishing it as a formidable inclusion in your aerial assault arsenal.


How to beat

Master of Winds is an intriguing creature card in MTG that presents a unique puzzle for players. This flying Sphinx wizard, while not overwhelmingly powerful in stats, can dramatically alter the game’s momentum with its card draw and filtering ability upon triggering its prowess mechanic. To outmaneuver this cerebral opponent, the key is disruption and timing. Without the opportunity to flex its prowess-triggered ability, Master of Winds is a mere Wind Drake with slightly better stats.

Control tactics are your ally here—removal spells such as Doom Blade or Heartless Act are straightforward solutions to ground the Master before it can outpace you in card advantage. Counterspells like Negate or Essence Scatter can prevent it from hitting the battlefield altogether, thwarting your opponent’s strategy early on. Should the Master of Winds nestle into play, keep in mind that its initial toughness is only three, making it susceptible to burn spells like Lightning Strike or Shocks if it hasn’t yet boosted itself.

Ultimately, by preventing Master of Winds from establishing its presence or by efficiently removing it upon entry, you can preserve your lead and keep your opponent’s card engine from soaring out of control. A strategic approach and swift response are crucial in ensuring Master of Winds doesn’t sweep the victory from under your feet.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase A-Master of Winds MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 A-Master of Winds and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where A-Master of Winds has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal