Magic Monday: Changing the Game with Narset, Parter of Veils

Let’s look at some game changers! I’ve got some mixed feelings about WotC’s definition of these powerful cards. They’re staples of the format, and they’re undeniably powerful, but the Game Changer categorisation has the potential to stigmatise their use.

Or does it?

It may well be the case for some groups that by identifying and admitting the power of these cards and defining how many one can include in a deck of a specific tier, it actually gives tacit permission for their use. Go figure.

Whichever way you see it, it’s worth knowing what these cards do. Today, let’s look at Narset, Parter of Veils!

In a format where card advantage is king, Narset, Parter of Veils doesn’t just challenge the throne; she locks the gates. First printed in War of the Spark, this three-mana planeswalker has become a staple in control decks and a nightmare for opponents who rely on draw spells. Her static ability alone can reshape the entire flow of a Commander game.

Let’s remind ourselves of the card text:

Each opponent can’t draw more than one card each turn.

−2: Look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a noncreature, nonland card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.

That static ability is the real headline. It doesn’t just slow opponents; it shuts down entire strategies, especially those built around wheels, cantrips, and mass draw.

Okay, so this is clearly a strong card, but why is it a game changer? What makes it potentially quite oppressive?

Draw Denial: Cards like Rhystic Study, Wheel of Fortune, Windfall, and Blue Sun’s Zenith suddenly become a lot less useful for your opponents when Narset is on the board.
Combo Breaker: Narset disrupts decks that rely on drawing into combo pieces, forcing them to pivot or stall.
Control Tool: In control builds, Narset acts as both a card filter and a soft lock, giving you time to stabilise while opponents flounder.
Synergy with Wheels: Pairing Narset with Windfall or Teferi’s Puzzle Box doesn’t just deny cards; it empties hands, leaving opponents topdecking.
Breaking Symmetrical Card Draw: Anyone who’s looked at building group hug decks knows that there are a lot of big, cheap cards that allow card draw, but give it to everyone. Narset essentially turns these big, multiplayer card draw cards to your direct advantage.

Those are all very strong points. When you take them all into account, you can understand why this particular version of Narset has earned a reputation for being:

Unfun to play against: Especially in casual pods where draw spells are common.
Hard to interact with: Her low mana cost and high loyalty make her difficult to remove early.
Meta-warping: She forces decks to rethink their draw engines or include more direct removal.

There must be some redeeming features, though? There are some things that she is praised for:

Encouraging creative deckbuilding: Players must find alternative ways to generate value.
Balancing explosive metas: In a format where card draw runs rampant, Narset is a necessary check.

As with any of these game changer cards, there are ways to play around them. Here are a few suggestions:

Use Tutors and Recursion: Cards like Demonic Tutor or Yawgmoth’s Will bypass draw restrictions.
Destroy or Bounce Her: Instant-speed removal like Abrupt Decay, Cyclonic Rift, or Vraska’s Contempt can clear her before she locks you out.
Avoid Wheels: If Narset is in play, casting Wheel of Fortune or similar discard-and-draw cards might just empty your hand for nothing.

Narset, Parter of Veils is a game-changer not because she wins the game outright, but because she redefines how the game is played. She punishes greed, rewards timing, and forces players to think beyond raw card draw. Whether you love her for her control or loathe her for her chokehold, she’s a card that demands respect and reshapes the table the moment she resolves.

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