Capricious Sliver MTG Card


Capricious Sliver grants flexibility and instant speed responses to dynamically alter the battlefield. While it can increase resource efficiency, its use involves a trade-off with card discard. Never underestimate its potential to enable combos and establish meta relevance in control-heavy environments.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sliver
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Sliver creatures you control have "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, exile the top card of your library. You may play that card this turn."


Cards like Capricious Sliver

The Capricious Sliver is an intriguing creature in the vast world of Magic: The Gathering, offering a distinct twist on creature control. This particular Sliver shares similarities with cards like Crystalline Sliver, which also gives Slivers a protective ability, in this case, shroud. However, what sets Capricious Sliver apart is its ability to randomly change creature control, potentially disrupting opponent strategies and enabling surprise turns of the table.

Dovetailing the theme of control-switching cards, we have Confusion in the Ranks. While it isn’t a Sliver itself, this enchantment exhibits a comparable effect, engaging in a constant exchange of creatures and other permanents on the battlefield. Unlike Capricious Sliver though, Confusion in the Ranks affects all types of permanents and relies on triggers from entering the battlefield, rather than an activated ability.

In assessing similar cards, Capricious Sliver emerges as an unorthodox yet flexible asset in a Sliver deck. Despite its potential to cause chaos, it aligns perfectly with the adaptive and synergistic nature of Sliver strategies within Magic: The Gathering, solidifying its place in decks designed for unpredictability and adaptiveness.

Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Confusion in the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Confusion in the Ranks - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Capricious Sliver by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
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
Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
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: The Capricious Sliver gives players a strategic edge by potentially shifting the balance of power in their favor, as it allows for the effortless swapping of Slivers on the battlefield. This translates into significant card advantage when used wisely, especially in decks dedicated to Slivers that can manipulate the board state on the fly.

Resource Acceleration: In the fast-paced world of MTG, Capricious Sliver can offer an unconventional form of resource acceleration. By exchanging one Sliver for another, you effectively bypass summoning sickness for the new creature, thereby accelerating your board presence and the utility you derive from it without spending additional mana.

Instant Speed: The inherent ability of Capricious Sliver operates at instant speed, empowering players with the flexibility to adapt their strategy in response to threats or opportunities that arise at any point during a match. This nimbleness can provide a decisive advantage in tight situations where timing is key.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When navigating the synergies and intricacies of Slivers in your deck, the Capricious Sliver can throw a wrench in your game plan. This creature’s ability comes at the cost of discarding a card, which might force you to lose a valuable resource at a pivotal moment, potentially setting your strategy back.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Capricious Sliver, which requires both red and green mana, may prove restrictive. For players running multicolored decks without a reliable mana base, this dual-cost can hinder the card’s playability, especially early in the game when color fixing isn’t fully set up.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, one might argue that Capricious Sliver’s cost is on the higher side for its power level and abilities. With multiple other creatures and Slivers in the game that offer more substantial board presence or impactful abilities at a similar or lower mana cost, this can sometimes make Capricious Sliver a less attractive option in a tightly curated deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Capricious Sliver offers a unique advantage by granting all Slivers the ability to be returned to their owner’s hand for a small mana investment. This makes the card a versatile addition, especially in a format replete with targeted removal or board wipes. Sliver decks, known for their flexibility and synergy, can significantly benefit from this utility.

Combo Potential: With Capricious Sliver on the battlefield, Sliver enthusiasts can construct intricate combos by strategically bouncing Slivers to their hand. This can be critical for activating enter-the-battlefield effects multiple times or saving key Slivers from removal. Moreover, it can pair well with Slivers that have effects when they are cast, further enhancing a player’s tactical arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where control decks prevail, Capricious Sliver shines by safeguarding your Sliver cadre from becoming casualties to removal spells. The ability to dodge removal and counter-wrath strategies can be enormously useful, and for that reason, Capricious Sliver becomes a must-consider for players looking to bolster their collection with cards that have enduring viability in various metas.


How to beat

Capricious Sliver presents a unique challenge as a card in Magic: The Gathering. Fundamentally a creature that grants all Slivers under your control the ability to switch their power and toughness until end of turn, it requires a strategic approach to combat. Navigating through a game against Capricious Sliver involves a tactful assessment of your opponent’s board and the potential for sudden changes in creature power.

To effectively counter Capricious Sliver, it is essential to limit your opponent’s Sliver population on the battlefield. Removal spells that can target multiple creatures, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can help clear the board. Spot removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push also proves useful to eliminate key Slivers and disrupt synergy before they become too formidable with the Capricious Sliver’s ability.

Moreover, negating the Capricious Sliver’s switch effect can be achieved by including cards that prevent abilities from triggering, such as Hushbringer or Torpor Orb. By containing the Sliver tide and anticipating power shifts, you can maintain the upper hand. Control and foresight are essential tools in surmounting the challenge posed by this whimsical yet potentially powerful Magic: The Gathering card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Capricious Sliver MTG card by a specific set like Commander Masters and Commander Masters, 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 Capricious Sliver and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Capricious Sliver Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-08-04 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Brent Hollowell.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7652015NormalBlackBrent Hollowell
22023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7342015NormalBlackBrent Hollowell

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Capricious Sliver has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal