Crookclaw Elder MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Bird Wizard |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 34 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Text of card
Flying Tap two untapped Birds you control: Draw a card. Tap two untapped Wizards you control: Target creature gains flying until end of turn.
Cards like Crookclaw Elder
Crookclaw Elder stands as an intriguing option in Magic: The Gathering for those keen on untapping potential, pun intended. Nestled within the ranks of untapping creatures, this card shares some likenesses with other cards like Fatestitcher, which also offers the versatility to untap or tap another target permanent. However, Crookclaw Elder boasts the unique synergy with the Wizard tribal, potentially turning multiple Wizards into card-drawing machines, unlike the singular focus of Fatestitcher.
Comparatively, Azami, Lady of Scrolls is another card that rewards players for their Wizard-heavy board, trading tapping for card advantage. Azami doesn’t require a companion to work—unlike Crookclaw Elder, which needs another Wizard to unlock its full potential. Still, Crookclaw Elder holds its own, by providing a level of redundancy that can be essential in Wizard decks. Then, we have Patron Wizard, another Wizard-centric card that allows the tapping of any Wizard to counter a spell unless its caster pays one more mana—showcasing utility in disrupting opponents rather than drawing cards.
When measured against its counterparts, Crookclaw Elder presents itself as a resilient piece in Wizard tribal strategies, bridging the gap between resource advantage and collaborative deck dynamics.
Cards similar to Crookclaw Elder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Crookclaw Elder offers a unique way to populate your hand by leveraging the presence of other Wizards on the battlefield. Each turn, you have the potential to convert your Wizards into additional cards, ensuring you never fall behind on resources.
Resource Acceleration: This wise Elder can also accelerate your mana capabilities if paired with cards that transform card draw into ramp opportunities. While it doesn’t produce mana directly, it facilitates a powerful synergy to stay ahead in the race for resources.
Instant Speed: The Elder’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you flexibility to respond during an opponent’s turn. This allows you to maximize your mana usage throughout the gameplay and maintain the element of surprise, keeping your opponents guessing about your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Crookclaw Elder’s abilities necessitate an additional card discard, which can lead to a reduction in your hand size and potential loss of key cards you might need later in the game. This can be a serious setback, especially if your strategy relies on maintaining a substantial hand. Ensuring you have expendable cards for its ability is crucial but not always possible.
Specific Mana Cost: The Elder demands both blue and green mana for casting. This particular mana requirement confines it to decks that support these colors, potentially excluding it from mono-colored or other color combination decks. Players may find it challenging to meet the mana requirements in a timely fashion, especially in formats that are less accommodating to multi-color mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two specific colors, Crookclaw Elder might not be the most resource-efficient creature for its offered abilities. Within the same mana range, players could potentially deploy more impactful cards or creatures that better contribute to the board state and overall game plan. Cost-effectiveness is something deck builders will carefully consider when integrating Crookclaw Elder into their decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Crookclaw Elder is a flexible choice, perfect for decks that capitalize on the tapping and untapping of creatures. Its ability to tap for card advantage makes it useful in various strategies.
Combo Potential: With the right combinations of creatures, this card quickly turns into a card-drawing engine, providing a consistent flow of options. Its interactions with other creatures that tap for benefits can be powerful.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where adaptive tactics are key, Crookclaw Elder’s utility can disrupt opponents’ plans while bolstering your own resources, making it a timely addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Crookclaw Elder is an intriguing card from Magic: The Gathering, offering unique advantages with its ability to draw cards. To effectively counter this three-mana costing creature, understanding and disrupting the synergy it creates within an opponent’s deck is crucial. Since the Elder allows a player to reveal cards from their deck and draw cards with the same name, one strategy is to minimize the number of duplicate cards they have access to.
Utilizing removal spells like Path to Exile or Thoughtseize can strategically discard or exile cards from the opponent’s hand or library before they have a chance to be revealed by Crookclaw Elder’s ability. Alternatively, cards that shuffle the opponent’s library such as Cosi’s Trickster can disrupt their deck’s order, making it harder for them to draw into duplicates.
Another approach is to include creatures with reach or flying within your own lineup to directly deal with Crookclaw Elder in combat. Remember, efficient use of resources and well-timed counterspells are also instrumental in maintaining control of the game against decks built around cards like Crookclaw Elder.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crookclaw Elder MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Crookclaw Elder and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crookclaw Elder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |