Cave Tiger MTG Card

Cave Tiger offers card advantage through combat interactions, magnifying its value in drawn-out matches. It can excel in creature-heavy decks, amplifying the impact of a burgeoning board presence through its abilities. While strong, Cave Tiger’s utility may be hampered by specific deck requirements and higher mana costs.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Cat
Released	1998-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Saga
Set code	USG
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	241
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Hannibal King

Text of card

Whenever a creature blocks it, Cave Tiger gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

The druids found a haven in the cool limestone tunnels beneath Argoth. The invaders found only tigers.

Cards like Cave Tiger

Cave Tiger emerges from the wilds of MTG as a creature that pounces on the allure of having a condition-based power boost. With echoes of Giant Growth, which offers a temporary power increase without any trigger needed, Cave Tiger requires careful play to unlock its potential. Unlike Giant Growth, the power of Cave Tiger can sustain throughout the game, granted the condition of a player casting a creature spell is met.

Then there’s the likes of Flinthoof Boar, showcasing the potential for immediate power with its dependence on a Mountain on the battlefield. It not only acts independently of spell casting but also offers haste, a stark contrast to Cave Tiger’s need for strategic setup. Skyshroud Elite also invites comparison with its power tied to an opponent’s land type—illustrating an external condition, versus Cave Tiger’s internal trigger.

When comparing such creature cards, each has its niche—Cave Tiger stands out for decks that favor numerous creature spells, making it a card that can grow in strength across the course of a match. Understanding the unique conditions and synergies is crucial for optimizing each card’s potential within MTG’s strategic landscape.

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: With the Cave Tiger, strategizing around its potential to manipulate card dynamics is key. It’s adept at offering subtle card advantages that can often tip the scales in a prolonged match, especially when combined with effects that make each encounter more beneficial.

Resource Acceleration: While the Cave Tiger itself might not produce additional mana or treasures, it can be a crucial part of a deck that seeks to overpower opponents by quickly amassing creatures on the board. Creature-based resource acceleration strategies synergize well with its ferocious presence.

Instant Speed: The prowess of the Cave Tiger isn’t limited to raw power; its interaction at instant speed can provide surprise tactics that destabilize opponents’ strategies. Positioning your forces when the time is just right can be the linchpin in securing victory, and the Cave Tiger’s abilities aligned with instant speed interactions can be a testament to this approach.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cave Tiger requires players to remove another card from their hand which can deplete resources at crucial times, potentially disrupting game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Cave Tiger’s mana cost includes specific colors that may not seamlessly fit into every deck, thus limiting its versatility across various strategies and playstyles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be considered steep for its stat line and abilities, players might find other creatures or spells that offer better value or more impactful effects for the same or lower cost.

Reasons to Include Cave Tiger in Your Collection

Versatility: Cave Tiger shines in its ability to adapt within any green deck seeking resilient creatures. Its ability to gain trample when facing blue creatures gives it a unique edge in specific matchups, while still serving as a reliable attacker or blocker in other scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with effects that boost the number of creatures you control or that benefit from creatures having trample. Its synergy with buffs and certain enchantments can turn an unassuming board presence into a significant threat.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right meta conditions, particularly if blue decks are prevalent, Cave Tiger not only becomes a more potent attacker but can also serve as an excellent defensive measure, making it a utility player in your creature arsenal.

How to Beat Cave Tiger

Cave Tiger presents a challenge in MTG matches with its potential to grow stronger whenever a player plays a land. This ability mirrors what we see in cards like Rampaging Baloths, where land plays trigger formidable effects. Yet, unlike the Baloths, Cave Tiger is more susceptible to removal due to its initial smaller size. Its need to attack to trigger its landfall ability also puts it at risk.

Direct removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are efficient ways to handle this feline threat before it can capitalize on land drops. Counterspells also provide a clear answer by never allowing the tiger to touch the battlefield. If Cave Tiger does make it into play, instant-speed interaction is key, as you can respond to the landfall trigger before it boosts the creature’s strength. Board wipes such as Day of Judgment are another answer, clearing the field irrespective of how many lands have been played.

Ultimately, maintaining removal options in your deck is crucial to keep creatures like Cave Tiger in check. By being prepared with answers to trigger-happy creatures, you’ll be able to maintain control of the game and mitigate the growth of your opponent’s threats.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cave Tiger MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Cave Tiger and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cave Tiger has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal