Viashino Shanktail MTG Card


Boasts first strike for superior combat control and board maintenance. Instant speed flash ability offers surprise play and pressure tactics. Restricted to red mana, presenting a deck-building consideration.
Viashino Shanktail - Gatecrash
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Viashino Warrior
Abilities Bloodrush,First strike
Released2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set nameGatecrash
Set codeGTC
Power 3
Toughness 1
Number110
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byKev Walker

Text of card

First strike Bloodrush — , Discard Viashino Shanktail: Target attacking creature gets +3/+1 and gains first strike until end of turn.

The Slizt Clan's battle cry is an impressive display of fury, defiance, and spit.


Cards like Viashino Shanktail

Viashino Shanktail introduces an intriguing dynamic among red creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with other red creatures like Flametongue Kavu, which is also favored for its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield. Viashino Shanktail distinguishes itself with its first strike ability, allowing it to deal combat damage before creatures without first strike in battle.

Considering other creatures in the red zone, we encounter Ember Hauler. It provides the flexibility of dealing damage either to creatures or players, but lacks the first strike attribute that Viashino Shanktail possesses. Another creature worth comparing is Guttersnipe, whose prowess lies in triggering damage each time you cast an instant or sorcery spell, though it doesn’t fare well in face-to-face combat scenarios like Viashino Shanktail does.

When weighing their utilities in gameplay, Viashino Shanktail stands out for its blend of offensive strike power and battlefield impact. It offers a tactical advantage for players who favor aggressive strategies and swift eliminations of opposing creatures. This places Viashino Shanktail as a solid contender among red creature cards with direct damage capabilities.

Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Viashino Shanktail by color, type and mana cost

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Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Viashino Shanktail features the ever-useful first strike ability allowing you to prevail in many combat situations without losing your creature, effectively dealing with opponent’s threats while keeping your board state intact.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or tokens, this card’s efficient damage-to-cost ratio aids in accelerating the pace of the game in your favor, especially in aggressive red decks where momentum is key.

Instant Speed: The Flash ability is what gives Viashino Shanktail a considerable edge. Deploying at instant speed, it can catch an opponent off guard, acting as both a surprise blocker or an end-of-turn threat to apply pressure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Viashino Shanktail doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, it’s pertinent to consider it may end up being discarded due to an opponent’s strategy or to fulfill the cost of another card’s ability, which is a potential downside if that card is a key component in your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: This fiery creature can only be cast with red mana, making it exclusive to decks that can produce this color. As such, its utility is restricted and can’t be included in just any deck, potentially reducing its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that demands four mana, which includes three generic and one red, Viashino Shanktail may compete with other cards for a spot in the curve. Considering the demands of a fast-paced game, its cost makes it less likely to be the optimal play on crucial turns.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Viashino Shanktail can adapt to multiple strategies with its flexibility in combat. As a four-power creature with first strike, it’s equally at home pressuring opponents in aggro builds or defending in mid-range decks.

Combo Potential: This creature not only can be a formidable force on its own, but it also works well with cards that reward you for dealing damage to creatures or players. This synergizes with cards that leverage creature combat to enable various on-damage triggers.

Meta-Relevance: Viashino Shanktail can be especially useful in an environment where creature-based combat is prevalent. First strike allows it to win battles against most comparably costed creatures, giving it a place in a meta where board control is key.


How to Beat Viashino Shanktail

Viashino Shanktail is a red creature card that can deal some serious damage with its first strike ability in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Facing this reptilian menace requires strategy since it can knock out defenders before they even have a chance to strike back. To overcome this challenge, one effective approach is to remove it from the battlefield before it mounts an attack. This can be done using instant-speed removal spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, which can interrupt your opponent’s plan and clear the way for your own attacks.

Enchantment-based removals, like Pacifism or Lignify, can also neutralize Viashino Shanktail without requiring you to engage it directly in combat. Another method is to block it with creatures that have deathtouch, ensuring it will be destroyed regardless of its first strike capability. Lastly, countering it upon cast with spells like Counterspell or Negate prevents it from entering the battlefield in the first place, allowing you to maintain control. By harnessing such strategies, you stand a strong chance of defeating the Shanktail and turning the tide of the game in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Viashino Shanktail MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Viashino Shanktail and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Viashino Shanktail has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal