Ebony Owl Netsuke MTG Card


Induces opponents to carefully manage their hand sizes to avoid its punishing effect. The Netsuke’s low cost and passive damage output can shape game strategies. Alignment with control decks makes it a versatile tool in specific metagames.
Ebony Owl Netsuke - Saviors of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released2005-06-03
Set symbol
Set nameSaviors of Kamigawa
Set codeSOK
Number154
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byTim Hildebrandt

Text of card

At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, if that player has seven or more cards in hand, Ebony Owl Netsuke deals 4 damage to him or her.

"Owls filled the skies during the Kami War, harbingers of darker times to come." —*The History of Kamigawa*


Cards like Ebony Owl Netsuke

Ebony Owl Netsuke stands out in Magic: The Gathering as part of the intriguing artifact genre that affects both players’ hands. It bears resemblance to other artifacts like Iron Maiden, which punishes opponents based on the number of cards in their hand at the upkeep. What differentiates Ebony Owl Netsuke is its conditionality, requiring the opponent to have seven or more cards in hand to inflict damage, whereas Iron Maiden’s effect is broader, dealing damage for each card above four.

Then there is Viseling, which, similar to the Netsuke and Iron Maiden, deals damage to players during their upkeep for card abundance. However, Viseling’s damage is based on an even number threshold rather than a specific count, which makes its impact more variable. Another analog is Black Vise, an artifact that deals damage to opponents when they have an excessive number of cards in their opening hand, showcasing yet another way artifacts can leverage an opponent’s card count for strategic benefit.

Comparatively, while each card has its distinct mechanics for leveraging hand size, Ebony Owl Netsuke requires a strategic approach, aligning with decks that encourage opponents to hold cards and thus, maximizes its potential damage output.

Iron Maiden - MTG Card versions
Viseling - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Iron Maiden - MTG Card versions
Viseling - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ebony Owl Netsuke by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
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Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
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Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Claw - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Dragon's Claw - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Ebony Owl Netsuke. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue PrisonMono-Blue Prison LegacyCharlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 2
Izzet ControlIzzet Control LegacyCharlotte Legacy League Season 4 Week 12

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ebony Owl Netsuke thrives in scenarios where hand sizes are large, providing a unique form of card advantage by indirectly punishing opponents who are holding many cards. In decks designed around this strategy, it can be a powerful tool to diminish opposing resources.

Resource Acceleration: Part of its strength lies in the pressure it exerts without requiring a substantial investment of mana. For just two mana, this artifact can be a persistent threat, allowing players to allocate resources towards other game-advancing plays while the Netsuke takes care of reducing the opponent’s life total.

Instant Speed: Though the Ebony Owl Netsuke itself isn’t cast at instant speed, its ability checks hand size at each opponent’s upkeep, enabling it to functionally impact the game at times similar to an instant. This creates a dynamic where opponents must constantly be wary of their hand size and play around the Netsuke’s effect, even during their own turns.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Ebony Owl Netsuke to be effective, your opponent needs to hold a surplus of cards in hand. If you cannot compel your adversary to draw or retain cards, the impact of this artifact becomes negligible.

Specific Mana Cost: While this card’s cost is not color specific, it demands two generic mana, which can be restrictive early in the game when mana resources are scarce.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At two mana for a conditional effect, you may find that there are other artifacts or strategies available that can deal damage or disrupt your opponent’s game plan more efficiently and with less setup.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ebony Owl Netsuke stands out for its ability to slide into various control decks that aim to limit the opponent’s hand size. Its interaction with symmetric draw strategies also allows it to see play in decks that manipulate both players’ hands for advantage.

Combo Potential: This card has a remarkable synergy with effects that force your opponent to draw cards or with cards like Howling Mine, ensuring a steady source of damage. In decks designed to lock down the board, Ebony Owl Netsuke becomes a key piece to close out games.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games draw out and players tend to have fuller hands, Ebony Owl Netsuke can be an unexpected threat. It quietly pressures life totals and fits well into a carefully curated metagame strategy that capitalizes on hand size manipulation.


How to Beat

The Ebony Owl Netsuke is a card that can catch opponents off guard in MTG, applying pressure on players who like to keep a full hand. To emerge victorious against this peculiar artifact, your strategy needs to adjust for its conditions. The key is keeping your hand size in check, focusing on deploying your resources instead of hoarding them. Utilizing discard mechanisms or playing cards that allow you to use extra mana efficiently can prevent the damaging effect of Netsuke.

Aggressive decks excel in this scenario because they focus on swift plays and putting creatures on the battlefield rather than drawing lots of cards. On the other hand, cards that force the opposing player to draw excessive amounts can also turn the tables on the Netsuke user. Hand destruction and control elements are also potent as they can either reduce your own hand size or dismantle the opponent’s setup before the Netsuke can cause any significant harm. Remember, adapting swiftly and deliberately managing your hand size are the cornerstones to outmaneuvering the Ebony Owl Netsuke.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ebony Owl Netsuke MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa, 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 Ebony Owl Netsuke and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ebony Owl Netsuke has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal