Raking Claws MTG Card


Double strike from Raking Claws can turn a single attack into a potent two-hit combo. Instant speed allows for surprise combat wins and tactical flexibility. The versatility of Raking Claws fits various MTG deck-building strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Cycling

Text of card

Target creature gains double strike until end of turn. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

"How many claws does a monster have? Exactly one more than you've accounted for." —Alux, Skysail defender


Cards like Raking Claws

Raking Claws finds its niche in the Magic: The Gathering repertoire as a vital asset for players looking to amplify their damage output in a single turn. In a side-by-side with cards like Temur Battle Rage, Raking Claws stands out by offering double strike without the condition of having a creature with power 4 or greater. While Temur Battle Rage can sometimes grant trample in addition to double strike, Raking Claws compensates with its flexibility and the option to cycle away if not immediately needed.

Another parallel can be drawn to Rush of Adrenaline, which also grants a temporary boost; however, it bestows a smaller power increase and no double strike. Raking Claws therefore provides a potentially more impactful swing in combat scenarios. There’s also the card Psychotic Fury, which gives double strike as well, but it is restricted to multicolored creatures, whereas Raking Claws does not discriminate on color or type.

Delving into this comparison, Raking Claws is favorably positioned for players looking for an unconditioned double strike spell that can be a game-changer during crucial moments or as a strategic alternative when card cycling can be a tactical advantage.

Temur Battle Rage - MTG Card versions
Rush of Adrenaline - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Temur Battle Rage - MTG Card versions
Rush of Adrenaline - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Raking Claws, the double strike ability can help you potentially take out two creatures of an opponent in one swing, effectively providing a two-for-one situation and swinging the card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: By enabling your creature to deal both first strike and regular combat damage, you can expedite the demolition of an opponent’s defenses, paving the way for other creatures to attack unimpeded and accelerating your path to victory.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Raking Claws gives you the flexibility to catch an opponent off guard during combat, doubling your creature’s impact when the timing is most crucial and when your opponent least expects it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some combat tricks, Raking Claws has no discard requirement but it’s important to note that having any form of additional cost can affect the gameplay, and players must stay informed on their card choices.

Specific Mana Cost: Raking Claws demands a specific color for its casting cost, requiring red mana which could restrict its inclusion in decks that aren’t tailored to leverage red’s strengths.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While providing double strike can be a game-changer, the mana investment for Raking Claws may be seen as high when compared to other cards with similar or additional effects, which can sway players towards more cost-effective options in a competitive setting.


Reasons to Include Raking Claws in Your Collection

Versatility: Raking Claws can slip into a range of decks thanks to its ability to grant double strike. This versatility means it could turn even the most unassuming creature into a significant threat.

Combo Potential: With the double strike feature, this instant has remarkable synergy with cards that have on-hit effects or with strategies that emphasize combat tricks and power boosts to deliver lethal damage all at once.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games can swing by a single combat phase, Raking Claws can serve as an unexpected game-changer, making it a relevant choice for players looking to outmaneuver their opponents in combat-centric matches.


How to beat

Raking Claws is a spell that can drastically turn the tides of combat in Magic: The Gathering. It grants double strike to a single creature for a turn, potentially doubling its damage output if it’s not dealt with swiftly. To effectively counter this, timing and strategic use of removal spells are critical. You should consider keeping mana open for instant-speed removal to respond to Raking Claws before it can impact combat. Cards that prevent damage or nullify combat abilities, such as Fog or other damage prevention spells, can also undermine the potency of Raking Claws. Additionally, efficient creature blockers, especially those with deathtouch, can dissuade an opponent from playing Raking Claws, as the risk of losing their creature becomes too great. By using these tactics, you can mitigate the impact of Raking Claws and maintain a favorable position in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricate battlefield of MTG means employing both strategy and surprise. Raking Claws can be that surprise, turning the tide of a duel with its double strike capability. It’s not just a card but a valuable addition to any red-focused strategy, meshing well with aggressive builds and catalyzing victory out of a close combat. Whether you’re pressing the advantage or clawing back from the brink, understanding how to optimize such an instant can set you apart in any match. Dive deeper with us into the realm of MTG tactics, and learn how to harness the raw power of Raking Claws to secure your next triumph.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Raking Claws MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Raking Claws and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Raking Claws Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 1312015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5842015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Raking Claws has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal