Snakeskin Veil MTG Card


Snakeskin Veil provides card advantage by protecting creatures from targeted removal, effectively countering opponents’ actions. It boosts resource acceleration by keeping key mana-generating creatures in play for a longer duration. The instant speed of the spell allows for strategic, unexpected plays that can turn the tide of a game.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control. It gains hexproof until end of turn.

"Does a serpent roar and chase its prey? No. A serpent waits silently for oblivious prey to draw near."


Cards like Snakeskin Veil

Snakeskin Veil is a versatile card in Magic: The Gathering that offers both protection and a power boost, likened to the role Blossoming Defense played in its time within the game. While both cards cater to providing a creature with hexproof until end of turn and a modest increment in power, Snakeskin Veil stands out by additionally granting a permanent +1/+1 counter, fortifying it beyond just the current turn.

Comparatively, Ranger’s Guile is another protection spell that serves the purpose of shielding creatures from targeted spells at a cost-effective one mana. The key difference is, it lacks the added benefit of the +1/+1 counter, providing only hexproof for the turn. Vines of Vastwood also provides an excellent comparison – it can confer not only hexproof but also can double as a significant power booster, although at an additional mana cost for the kicker effect.

Assessing these cards, Snakeskin Veil emerges as a solid choice for decks focusing on creature longevity and growth, outshining its peers by combining immediate protection with ongoing enhancement.

Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions
Ranger's Guile - MTG Card versions
Vines of Vastwood - MTG Card versions
Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions
Ranger's Guile - MTG Card versions
Vines of Vastwood - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Snakeskin Veil by color, type and mana cost

Fog - MTG Card versions
Natural Selection - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Lifelace - MTG Card versions
Crumble - MTG Card versions
Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Seedling Charm - MTG Card versions
Shrink - MTG Card versions
Choking Vines - MTG Card versions
Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions
Worldly Tutor - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Might - MTG Card versions
Reclaim - MTG Card versions
Serene Sunset - MTG Card versions
Sprout - MTG Card versions
Gather Courage - MTG Card versions
Nature's Claim - MTG Card versions
Prey's Vengeance - MTG Card versions
Fog - MTG Card versions
Natural Selection - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Lifelace - MTG Card versions
Crumble - MTG Card versions
Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Seedling Charm - MTG Card versions
Shrink - MTG Card versions
Choking Vines - MTG Card versions
Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions
Worldly Tutor - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Might - MTG Card versions
Reclaim - MTG Card versions
Serene Sunset - MTG Card versions
Sprout - MTG Card versions
Gather Courage - MTG Card versions
Nature's Claim - MTG Card versions
Prey's Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro StandardGruul AggroStandard Super Qualifier 2024-04-28
RGRG PioneerPioneer League 2024-05-03
ElvesElves PauperElvesPauper League 2024-05-01
URGURG StandardStandard Super Qualifier 2024-04-28
Mono-Green AggroMono-Green Aggro PauperMono-Green AggroPauper Challenge 64 2024-04-28

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Snakeskin Veil doesn’t draw you cards directly, it does deliver a form of card advantage through protecting your key creatures from targeted removal or damage, essentially negating one of your opponent’s cards.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct mana generator, Snakeskin Veil significantly boosts resource acceleration by ensuring your mana dorks or creatures with tap abilities that produce mana or provide other resources stay on the board longer to continue their effects.

Instant Speed: The instant speed of Snakeskin Veil allows for reactive play during either player’s turn, offering surprise value by serving as both a shield against surprise interactions or a combat trick to bolster your creatures unexpectedly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Snakeskin Veil does not have a discard requirement itself, it can be a card that you’re forced to hold onto for the right moment, potentially leading you to discard other important cards from your hand under duress or due to hand size limits.

Specific Mana Cost: Snakeskin Veil requires green mana, which could restrict its inclusion only to green or multi-color decks that can generate green mana, potentially limiting its versatility across a broader range of decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although priced at one green mana to cast, in a fast-paced game, this card can seem costly when you need to keep mana open to protect your creatures, which could otherwise be used for more aggressive plays or developing your board.


Reasons to Include Snakeskin Veil in Your Collection

Versatility: Snakeskin Veil isn’t just a protection spell. Its ability to grant a +1/+1 counter makes it a solid addition to decks focusing on +1/+1 counter synergies or those looking to bolster their creatures against removal.

Combo Potential: This card excels in situations where you’re looking to safeguard a key combo piece. Ensuring that your critical creature survives can often be the difference between victory and defeat, particularly in decks that hinge on specific creature-based interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with targeted removal or with players keen on making decisive plays through creature control, Snakeskin Veil offers an inexpensive and efficient response. It’s an essential tool to counter opponents’ attempts to disrupt your board presence.


How to beat

Snakeskin Veil is a green instant that offers a deceptively simple effect for creature protection. This card has become popular in Magic: The Gathering for its ability to not only grant a creature +1/+1 but also to protect it from targeted spells or abilities with hexproof until the end of the turn. The seeming modesty of this spell is precisely what makes it an underestimated powerhouse in MTG decks that focus on creature strategies.

To effectively neutralize the benefits of Snakeskin Veil, direct removal spells may not always be reliable. Instead, cards that cause opponents to sacrifice creatures, like Liliana’s Triumph or Diabolic Edict, bypass the veil’s protection. Board-wiping spells that don’t target individual creatures, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can clear the field without the obstacle of hexproof. Furthermore, countering the spell before it resolves, with cards like Mana Leak or Dovin’s Veto, can prevent its effect entirely.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Snakeskin Veil can equip players to develop strategies around this subtle yet impactful spell. The delicate balance of timing, card selection, and anticipating opponents’ moves is crucial in overcoming the advantages provided by Snakeskin Veil in competitive MTG play.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of MTG gameplay can turn your deck from good to great. Snakeskin Veil, with its ability to protect and power up your creatures, is a versatile card worth considering for green-centric strategies. Analyzing its strengths, limitations, and how it compares to similar spells helps you craft more resilient decks that thrive in various metas. Ready to take your game to the next level? Explore the subtle tactics, refine your deck-building skills, and stay ahead in the constantly evolving world of MTG. Dive deeper with us for insights and strategies that could set you apart in your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Snakeskin Veil MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim and Strixhaven Mystical Archive, 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 Snakeskin Veil and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Snakeskin Veil Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2021-02-05 and 2024-08-03. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-02-05KaldheimKHM 1942015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
22021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 1202015NormalBorderlessYuhki Takeuchi
32021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 572015NormalBorderlessAnato Finnstark
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 3232015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
52024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder JunctionOTJ 1812015NormalBlackDan Murayama Scott
62024-08-03Cowboy BebopPCBB 52015NormalBorderlessMaxilla

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Snakeskin Veil has restrictions

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