Skullclamp MTG Card


Gains card advantage by drawing two cards when the equipped creature dies, swiftly overloading your hand. Equips at instant speed, offering flexibility and strategic opportunity during any phase of the game. Incorporates well into combos, especially in formats like Commander, maximizing the card’s potential.
Card setsReleased in 23 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +1/-1. When equipped creature is put into a graveyard, draw two cards. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery. This card comes into play unattached and stays in play if the creature leaves play.)


Cards like Skullclamp

Skullclamp stands out in the landscape of MTG card drawing engines thanks to its unique mechanics. When set alongside other equipment cards that enhance creature capabilities, such as Sword of Fire and Ice, Skullclamp takes a different route by banking on a creature’s death for benefit. Unlike Sword of Fire and Ice that provides a mixture of protection and card draw without loss, Skullclamp encourages strategic sacrifice for growth in card advantage.

It’s akin in spirit to Mentor of the Meek, which allows card drawing whenever a creature with power 2 or less enters the battlefield, yet Skullclamp provides a more immediate and guaranteed return at the cost of the creature. Then you have Fecundity, which opens up card drawing for any creature’s demise, but it does so for both players, where Skullclamp offers a more selfish edge to the controller. Both are valuable, but Skullclamp affords players a decisive control over their card draw.

In analyzing these alternatives, Skullclamp emerges as a robust choice for decks looking to convert creature presence into powerful draw potential, making it a staple in formats where creatures often find themselves sacrificial for the greater good of the game plan.

Sword of Fire and Ice - MTG Card versions
Mentor of the Meek - MTG Card versions
Fecundity - MTG Card versions
Sword of Fire and Ice - MTG Card versions
Mentor of the Meek - MTG Card versions
Fecundity - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Skullclamp by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Signal Pest - MTG Card versions
Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Signal Pest - MTG Card versions
Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Paradoxical OutcomeParadoxical Outcome VintageParadoxical OutcomeVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Lurrus SagaLurrus Saga VintageLurrus SagaVintage Challenge 32 2024-02-10
Mono Red Combo GoblinsMono Red Combo Goblins Free formNoble Spring Quarterly
Rocco Rainbow ElvesRocco Rainbow Elves Free formNoble Spring Quarterly
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
GruulGruul Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
AbzanAbzan Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Naya Turbo InitiativeNaya Turbo Initiative Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Raging Goblins Q1 2024Raging Goblins Q1 2024 Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skullclamp is legendary for its ability to churn through a deck by granting you the ability to draw two cards whenever the equipped creature dies. This can rapidly overfill your hand with options, keeping you a step ahead of your opponents.

Resource Acceleration: By converting small creatures into fresh draws, Skullclamp effectively accelerates your plays, letting you access more of your resources quickly. It’s like turning your tokens or expendable creatures into fuel for your strategic engine.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Skullclamp can be equipped at instant speed, providing flexibility in response to game states. This adaptability allows you to attach it to a creature at a moment’s notice—right before it’s about to die—turning an otherwise unfavorable situation into an opportunity for gain.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike the discard mechanic, Skullclamp requires you to sacrifice a creature to draw cards, which can be costly if you have a limited board presence or your strategy relies on maintaining creature control.

Specific Mana Cost: Skullclamp’s casting cost demands colorless mana; however, where this becomes tricky is in the heavy reliance on artifacts in your deck, potentially constraining deck diversity and making it predictable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Skullclamp itself is cheap to play, the need to repeatedly pay mana to equip it to different creatures adds up, which could be inefficient compared to other low-cost artifact options that provide persistent effects without additional investment.


Reasons to Include Skullclamp in Your Collection

Versatility: Skullclamp offers numerous advantages across various deck archetypes, excelling in those that have a steady flow of creatures to equip. This equipment shines by turning each small creature into a card-drawing engine.

Combo Potential: Beyond its standalone value, Skullclamp can be a linchpin in combos, particularly those looking to capitalize on creature death for benefits beyond the draw, such as with Blood Artist or similar effects.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where keeping your hand filled with options is crucial, Skullclamp provides consistent card advantage. This makes it a mainstay in formats like Commander, where its impact on the board state and your resources can be game-changing.


How to Beat Skullclamp

Skullclamp stands out as a formidable MTG card, renowned for its efficient card drawing ability. It endows creatures with a slight power boost and, when they die, rewards the player with two valuable cards. This mechanism lends itself to strategies that capitalize on the sacrifice of small creatures, thus turning each creature’s demise into an advantage for the wielder of the Skullclamp. Tackling this card involves disrupting the synergy it creates. One effective method is targeting the Skullclamp with artifact removal spells before it can be fully utilized. Cards such as Nature’s Claim or Disenchant can swiftly put an end to the Skullclamp’s influence on the game.

Another strategy is to limit the player’s creature resources through board wipes or removal spells, which can hinder the repetitive draw engine that Skullclamp aims to establish. Additionally, employing graveyard hate cards that exile creatures when they die can prevent the Skullclamp from triggering its card draw ability. Ultimately, understanding and anticipating your opponent’s strategies, while keeping the board free of expendable creatures and artifacts, is key to effectively neutralize the advantage Skullclamp provides.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG aficionados seeking to revolutionize their gameplay will find Skullclamp an indispensable asset. This unique card turns each creature sacrifice into a confident stride towards victory, fueling your hand with more options and your deck with unmatched tempo. By leveraging its card-drawing might, you can create a game state that keeps opponents on their heels. If you’re eager to optimize your strategy and turn the tide of battle, explore the depths of this powerful artifact’s potential. Dive into our expansive content, enrich your collection, and wield the tactical edge that Skullclamp offers.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skullclamp MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and From the Vault: Exiled, 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 Skullclamp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skullclamp Magic the Gathering card was released in 19 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 1402003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
22009-08-28From the Vault: ExiledV09 122003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
32010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A1202003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
42011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 2602003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
52014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2812015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
62014-11-07Commander 2014C14 2682015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
72015-11-13Commander 2015C15 2672015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
82016-11-11Commander 2016C16 2712015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
92017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 2302015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
102017-08-25Commander 2017C17 2222015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
112019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 16302015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
122019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 11122015NormalBorderlessYoji Shinkawa
132020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2512015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
142020-09-26The ListPLST C17-2222015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
152020-09-26The ListPLST C20-2512015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
162020-09-26The ListPLST CMD-2602003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
172022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 8702015NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
182022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2482015NormalBlackHelge C. Balzer
192022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 248★2015NormalBlackHelge C. Balzer
202022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1591997NormalBlackDaniel Ljunggren
212023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3792015NormalBlackLuca Zontini
222024-03-08FalloutPIP 2382015NormalBlackSkinnyelbows
232024-03-08FalloutPIP 7662015NormalBlackSkinnyelbows

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skullclamp has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyBanned
ModernBanned
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal