Bonepicker Skirge MTG Card


Bonepicker Skirge excels in card advantage, turning creature losses into an opportunity to seize momentum. The card’s low conditional cost under specific scenarios allows for efficient mana resource allocation. Instant speed playability offers tactical depth, enabling surprising moves with devastating impact.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Imp
Abilities Corrupted,Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying Corrupted — As long as an opponent has three or more poison counters, Bonepicker Skirge has deathtouch and lifelink.

Even the most insignificant creature can be perfected.


Cards like Bonepicker Skirge

Bonepicker Skirge holds a unique niche in the creature lineup of Magic: The Gathering, with its potential to be a cost-effective threat on the battlefield. It bears resemblance to cards like Murderous Rider, which also features lifelink and a way to deal with threats through its Swift End adventure. While Bonepicker Skirge lacks the direct removal capability, it compensates with its potential lower casting cost under the right circumstances.

Scavenging Ooze shares the battlefield with Bonepicker Skirge as another creature with a different take on resourcefulness. Although the Ooze doesn’t possess flying or delve into cost reduction, it does offer continuous value through its ability to grow and indirectly control graveyards. Unlike the conditional casting cost of Bonepicker Skirge, Scavenging Ooze requires a more active role in managing its power level.

In examining these cards side by side, Bonepicker Skirge showcases an appealing blend of aggressive features and economic play for decks that can regularly enable its casting condition. Its combination of deathtouch and flying makes it a formidable foe, especially when played unexpectedly for a single black mana after a creature’s demise.

Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bonepicker Skirge by color, type and mana cost

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Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Spined Basher - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bonepicker Skirge offers an efficient trade-off. When you lose a creature, you not only get to summon a potent flyer but potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy, effectively pivoting the momentum in your favor. This can tip the scales of card advantage subtly but significantly as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: Owing to its low casting cost under specific conditions, this card accelerates resource use. Usually a three-mana card, it can be played for a single black mana if a creature died this turn. This allows players to utilize remaining mana to play other spells, mobilizing their resources more efficiently.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Bonepicker Skirge at instant speed after a creature’s demise, even on an opponent’s turn, provides tactical flexibility. You can immediately replace a lost blocker or prepare for a surprising counterattack. This makes it a deceptively powerful presence on the battlefield that can be introduced at a crucial, unexpected moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bonepicker Skirge enters the battlefield with a condition that necessitates the discard of another card. This requirement could put you at a disadvantage, especially if you are already dealing with a depleted hand which limits your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning Bonepicker Skirge requires black mana, which may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks. Consequently, this can restrict the card’s inclusion to primarily black mana-oriented builds, reducing its versatility across different deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card has the potential to be a powerful addition to your lineup, its mana cost is on the higher side in comparison to other creatures with similar abilities. Players might find more cost-effective creatures or spells that provide comparable or better advantages without the same level of resource investment.


Reasons to Include Bonepicker Skirge in Your Collection

Versatility: Bonepicker Skirge can seamlessly adapt to a variety of deck archetypes. Its low casting cost paired with the potential to play it for just one black mana makes it a powerful choice in aggro decks while still being a cost-effective creature option in midrange and control decks.

Combo Potential: Gaining deathtouch allows Bonepicker Skirge to work well with equipment and spells that enable creature tapping or fighting, thereby removing problematic creatures on the board. It’s also synergistic with cards that benefit from creature death, amplifying sacrifice-play strategies.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, so does the need for versatile removal options. Bonepicker Skirge holds its own as a threat that must be answered due to its low-cost efficiency and deathtouch ability, making it a relevant choice in a shifting meta that favors the quick deployment and high impact of creatures.


How to beat

The card Bonepicker Skirge is a formidable challenge in the world of MTG, offering an aggressive flying threat that can become a nuisance if not dealt with swiftly. Recognizing this card’s potential for causing trouble on the battlefield makes understanding your options for countering it all the more important. For instance, playing cards that can remove creatures without dealing damage can be key since Bonepicker Skirge can dodge damage-based removal due to its deathtouch ability.

Enchantment-based removals or exile effects are excellent tools against the Skirge, as they don’t trigger its lethal deathtouch trait. Cast Out or Path to Exile, for example, can take it out of the equation entirely, bypassing the need to engage it in combat. Additionally, controlling the game with board wipes like Wrath of God proves effective—eradicating not just the Skirge but any other threats looming on the board. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Bonepicker Skirge and preparing your deck with appropriate answers will secure your resilience against this threatening card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bonepicker Skirge MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Bonepicker Skirge and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bonepicker Skirge Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4362015NormalBlackFlavio Girón
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2902015NormalBlackFlavio Girón
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 862015NormalBlackDave Kendall

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bonepicker Skirge has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal