Caligo Skin-Witch MTG Card
2018-04-27 - Number 80
2019-11-07 - Number 591
2020-09-26 - Number DOM-80
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Abilities | Kicker |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) When Caligo Skin-Witch enters the battlefield, if it was kicked, each opponent discards two cards.
"Take their faces. The lips of these unbelievers may yet honor the Demonlord."
Understanding Caligo Skin-Witch’s Place in MTG
Caligo Skin-Witch stands out as a utility creature in Magic: The Gathering, serving not only as a simple 1/3 body but also as a way to disrupt your opponent’s hand. Similar to cards like Burglar Rat, the Skin-Witch requires the opponent to discard a card upon entering the battlefield. Where Caligo Skin-Witch gains an edge is in its kicker ability, allowing a much more impactful discard of two cards should you have the mana to spare.
Cards like Caligo Skin-Witch
Delving into the realm of hand disruption in MTG, Caligo Skin-Witch often draws comparison with cards like Mind Rot, a spell dedicated to making an opponent discard two cards. The distinct advantage of Caligo Skin-Witch is that it leaves behind a creature on the battlefield, offering more strategic flexibility and board presence. Fel Specter is another contender that comes to mind, attaching discard to a flying creature for increased evasion. Yet, even with these merits, Caligo Skin-Witch is favored for its lower casting cost and the possibility of scaling the discard effect late game with its kicker option.
Further comparisons lead us to Liliana’s Specter, providing a similar discard effect but with the added benefit of flying. However, Caligo Skin-Witch’s potential to force a larger discard when kicked can swing the late game in your favor, a factor that holds weight in longer, drawn-out matches. As such, when evaluating these options, Caligo Skin-Witch presents itself as a versatile card with the potential for great impact in both the early and late game of MTG.
Cards similar to Caligo Skin-Witch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The kicker ability of Caligo Skin-Witch can pressure your opponent into discarding two cards, potentially disrupting their strategy and swinging the card balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While the Witch itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to clear a path by removing key cards from an opponent’s hand indirectly increases the efficiency of your other resource-intensive plays.
Instant Speed: Although Caligo Skin-Witch is a creature, its kicker ability can be played at instant speed if it’s on the battlefield. This allows strategic flexibility, using it when it’s most detrimental to your opponent’s plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The kicker ability of Caligo Skin-Witch compels opponents to discard two cards, but it only activates if you invest additional mana beyond its initial cast cost. This conditional discard can be less impactful later in the game when opponents have fewer cards in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requirement of one Black mana and one generic mana might restrict deck-building options. Players running multicolored decks may find this cost limiting, as it necessitates a reliable source of Black mana to play effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While budget-friendly, the total cost of six mana to leverage the kicker ability might be steep for what it accomplishes. Other cards at a similar cost can provide more immediate and substantial board presence or game-changing effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Caligo Skin-Witch fits into various deck archetypes because of its utility both early in the game as a two-drop and later when its kicker cost can be used to disrupt an opponent’s hand.
Combo Potential: This card works well with discard synergies or in decks focusing on stripping resources from opponents, which can combo with other cards that benefit from opponents having fewer cards in hand.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where hand advantage is critical or against decks that rely on specific combos, the kick ability of Caligo Skin-Witch can serve as a crucial disruption tool, potentially tipping the scales in your favor.
How to beat
Caligo Skin-Witch presents itself as a peculiar challenge in the landscape of MTG. This unassuming card offers an avenue for strategic resource disruption when its kicker cost is met. Upon entering the battlefield, if you’ve paid the kicker cost, your opponent is forced to discard two cards. It’s a moment where the scales can tip in your game, compelling opponents to part with crucial cards.
To effectively counter this creature, one should consider instant-speed removals or discard protection strategies. Having cards like Negate at the ready allows you to cancel the spell before it has any effect, preserving your hand integrity. Additionally, holding onto lands or less impactful cards when you anticipate its arrival can minimize the damage caused by its ability. Enhancing your deck with robust hand-refreshing mechanics or graveyard retrieval can also mitigate the impact of this sinister witch. Cards that allow you to draw more or revive from your graveyard can compensate for the temporary setback, helping maintain your strategic edge.
Ultimately, defeating Caligo Skin-Witch requires foresight and maintaining a strong defense. By managing your resources wisely and investing in the right countermeasures, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor, despite the temporary disruption it brings to the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Caligo Skin-Witch MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Mystery Booster, 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 Caligo Skin-Witch and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Caligo Skin-Witch Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Daarken.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 80 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 591 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DOM-80 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Caligo Skin-Witch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |