Thought Devourer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 105 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jim Nelson |
Text of card
Flying Your maximum hand size is reduced by four.
Thinking is hard.
Cards like Thought Devourer
Thought Devourer plays an intriguing role in Magic: The Gathering, standing out in the pantheon of blue creatures with disruptive abilities. Its closest relative in terms of functionality is the iconic Notion Thief, a creature with a flash ability that surprises opponents by stealing their extra card draws, turning their information advantage into your own. Unlike Notion Thief, Thought Devourer does not have flash but offers a consistent denial of card advantages by limiting hand sizes.
Another relevant comparison would be to Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur, which also manipulates hand sizes but on a much grander scale. Where Thought Devourer caps hands at two, Jin-Gitaxias ruthlessly cuts it down to zero at the end of the opponent’s turn and allows you to draw additional cards. This illustrates the strategic importance of hand size manipulation in MTG, where Thought Devourer opts for a subtler, less mana-intensive approach.
Ultimately, Thought Devourer provides a unique equilibrium between card utility and hand size control. While it may not have the immediate impact of a Notion Thief or the oppressive nature of Jin-Gitaxias, it’s a formidable tool for players who enjoy a more nuanced control strategy.
Cards similar to Thought Devourer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thought Devourer provides a significant advantage by potentially forcing opponents to discard cards while you draw, streamlining your game plan and disrupting theirs.
Resource Acceleration: By filtering the cards both you and your adversaries draw, Thought Devourer can lead to more efficient use of your resources, accelerating your progression to key plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to play cards as though they had flash enhances your flexibility, allowing Thought Devourer to be deployed at the most opportune moments, countering opponent strategies or bolstering your own at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Thought Devourer card necessitates discarding another card each time you cast it which could deplete your hand quickly, leaving you at a disadvantage in prolonged games.
Specific Mana Cost: Navigating the dual blue mana requirement may restrict this creature’s addition to decks, requiring a dedicated mana base which might not be favorable for multicolor deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost demanding four mana, including two of which must be blue, this can be costly compared to other creatures or spells that offer greater value or versatility for the same or less investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thought Devourer can serve multiple roles in decks that capitalize on casting numerous spells in a turn or manipulating hand sizes. This card works well in strategies that aim to disrupt opponents while also progressing your game plan.
Combo Potential: With its ability to possibly draw additional cards each turn, Thought Devourer can create synergies with spells and abilities that trigger upon drawing or discarding cards, enhancing intricate combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: Given that Thought Devourer interacts favorably with spells and the stack, it’s a good fit for a meta that prioritizes spell-heavy decks or those that require specific responses to maintain hand advantage.
How to beat
The Thought Devourer is a cunning card that can stump players with its mind-bending abilities, making it a card to watch out for in a game of Magic: The Gathering. When facing this elusive creature, an effective strategy can involve the use of instant-speed removal spells that can disrupt your opponent’s play by targeting the Thought Devourer before it has a chance to utilize its full potential and wreak havoc on your hand.
Another tactic to consider is to deploy creatures with hexproof or shroud, which remain out of reach from the Thought Devourer’s grip. Also essential is to manage your card draws and hand size strategically; since the Devourer thrives on a player’s bountiful hand, keeping fewer cards in hand can reduce its impact. The catch is to balance this approach so as not to deplete your resources and options.
Lastly, it is worth considering sideboard options that allow you to exile or return the Thought Devourer to its owner’s hand, forestalling its ability to affect your gameplay. In summary, while the Thought Devourer presents a unique challenge, tactical spell choice and careful resource management can help ensure your deck’s dominance in the face of this menacing foe.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thought Devourer MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Thought Devourer and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thought Devourer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thought Devourer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | If multiple effects modify your hand size, apply them in timestamp order. For example, if you are affected by Cursed Rack (an artifact that sets a player’s maximum hand size to four) and then put Thought Devourer onto the battlefield, your maximum hand size would be zero. However, if those permanents entered the battlefield in the opposite order, your maximum hand size would be four. |