Maw of Kozilek MTG Card


Maw of Kozilek reshapes the battlefield dynamics with its instant power transformation utilizing colorless mana. While versatile, its colorless mana requirement and discard cost need strategic deck integration and careful play. Its mid-range mana cost and adaptability make it a potential fit in Eldrazi decks and certain meta strategies.
Maw of Kozilek - Oath of the Gatewatch
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Eldrazi Drone
Abilities Devoid
Released2016-01-22
Set symbol
Set nameOath of the Gatewatch
Set codeOGW
Power 2
Toughness 5
Number99
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaarken

Text of card

Devoid (This card has no color.) : Maw of Kozilek gets +2/-2 until end of turn. ( represents colorless mana.)

"The Eldrazi make worse than ruins—they make a world where not even ruins stand." —Gideon Jura


Cards like Maw of Kozilek

Maw of Kozilek is a unique creature that brings versatility to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Maw of Kozilek can be likened to cards like Ulamog’s Crusher which also demand attention through their game-altering annihilator ability. However, Maw of Kozilek provides players the choice to consume colorless mana for a temporary boost in power and toughness, setting it apart with increased flexibility in combat situations.

Another card worthy of comparison is Bane of Bala Ged. This creature exerts pressure on opponents by forcing them to exile permanents whenever it attacks. While Bane of Bala Ged does not offer the bolstering feature of Maw of Kozilek, it presents an alternative form of potent attack disruption. Then there’s Eldrazi Devastator, which brings sheer power to the game. However, its lack of any additional abilities suggests a preference for Maw of Kozilek when players seek a balance between power and tactical adaptability.

All things considered, Maw of Kozilek stands out in terms of combat dynamics, offering a creature that can adapt to changing battle conditions and leverage the colorless mana resources prevalent in Eldrazi-centric decks.

Ulamog's Crusher - MTG Card versions
Bane of Bala Ged - MTG Card versions
Eldrazi Devastator - MTG Card versions
Ulamog's Crusher - MTG Card versions
Bane of Bala Ged - MTG Card versions
Eldrazi Devastator - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Maw of Kozilek provides a unique form of card value by transforming its power in response to colorless mana. As a dynamic creature on the battlefield, it potentially pressures opponents with unexpected power spikes, making it more than just a creature card in your repertoire.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, Maw of Kozilek benefits greatly from the presence of colorless mana sources. This symbiosis allows for efficient use of mana resources, supporting more strategic plays particularly in decks thriving on colorless mana.

Instant Speed: The capability to change its power at instant speed makes Maw of Kozilek a flexible combatant. It can catch opponents off-guard during combat, acting as a defensive power boost or an aggressive surprise, providing tactical advantages as the game unfolds.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deploying Maw of Kozilek demands a card to be discarded, which could be detrimental particularly when your hand is dwindling in options or you’re clinging onto crucial cards for later rounds.

Specific Mana Cost: The activation cost for Maw of Kozilek’s colorless mana ability requires a precise combination of resources which can be a stumbling block in decks not robustly designed to generate that type of mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Needing four mana to put Maw of Kozilek into play is steep against cards with similar stats or abilities. Considering the current pool of creatures, it might not deliver the same level of board impact per mana spent.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Maw of Kozilek offers flexibility in various deck builds due to its colorless nature, easily fitting into Eldrazi decks or any other archetype that might need a solid mid-game defender or attacker.

Combo Potential: Its ability to convert colorless mana into a boost in power allows for synergies with decks that manipulate mana or benefit from temporary power increases during combat phases.

Meta-Relevance: With decks in the current meta that often focus on efficient creature-based strategies, Maw of Kozilek can serve as an affordable countermeasure, disrupting the board and posing a significant threat if left unchecked.


How to beat

Maw of Kozilek presents a unique challenge when facing it on the battlefield. This creature card from the Oath of the Gatewatch set becomes a formidable blocker when its colorless mana ability is activated. To outmaneuver this creature, it’s critical to employ strategies that limit its blocking potential. Removing Maw of Kozilek before it can become a threat is one tactic, using instant-speed removal such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile. Another approach is to bypass it entirely using evasive creatures, or by wielding spells that force an opponent to sacrifice a creature, thereby avoiding its impressive defense capabilities.

Managing combat tricks and resources is also essential. If an opponent is heavily relying on Maw of Kozilek to hold the line, disrupting their mana base can prevent the activation of its colorless mana ability, making it far less imposing. With careful planning and the right set of spells, the once-dreaded Maw of Kozilek can be reduced to a mere hindrance rather than an insurmountable obstacle on your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Maw of Kozilek MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Maw of Kozilek and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Maw of Kozilek has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal