Crookclaw Transmuter MTG Card
2006-10-06 - Number 55
2014-06-06 - Number 94
2020-07-17 - Number 145
2021-03-19 - Number 59
Text of card
Flash (You may play this spell any time you could play an instant.) Flying When Crookclaw Transmuter comes into play, switch target creature's power and toughness until end of turn.
Cards like Crookclaw Transmuter
Crookclaw Transmuter is an interesting Magic: The Gathering card known for its ability to switch a creature’s power and toughness until the end of the turn. A card that works on a similar principle is Inside Out, which also flips power and toughness, but with the addition of drawing a card. While Inside Out is purely reactive, Crookclaw Transmuter brings more versatility by being a creature itself that can block or attack as needed.
Another card that shares a comparable mechanic is Twisted Image. This spell not only switches the power and toughness of a creature but also allows the player to draw a card for a minimal cost. Twisted Image finds use in more combo-oriented decks, whereas Crookclaw Transmuter adds more strategic depth by offering a body on the battlefield.
To sum up, within the MTG universe, Crookclaw Transmuter stands out for its unique blend of power-toughness swapping and creature-based utility. It caters to players who appreciate flexibility in their game plan, offering both a surprise element and a physical presence on the board.
Cards similar to Crookclaw Transmuter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Equipped with the power to manipulate the battlefield, Crookclaw Transmuter can be an unsung hero when it comes to gaining card advantage. Its ability to switch power and toughness for a target creature can swing combat in your favor, sometimes eliminating an opposing creature without losing your own. This strategic trade not only secures your position but effectively operates as a card advantage since it can help you maintain more creatures than your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While Crookclaw Transmuter itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it does aid in smoothing gameplay. By pulling off favorable trades or eliminating key threats at crucial moments, it allows you to maintain a stable board. This indirectly secures your resources, as you won’t need to spend additional cards or mana to handle overhead created by problematic creatures your opponents control.
Instant Speed: The true adaptability of Crookclaw Transmuter lies in its flash ability, letting you play the card at instant speed. This surprise element can turn the tides of combat by altering the stats of engaged creatures or by simply presenting an unexpected blocker. Holding up mana for Crookclaw Transmuter means you’re always a threat, ready to foil your opponent’s plans at a moment’s notice without compromising your turn for other actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Crookclaw Transmuter necessitates that you have an expendable card in hand to fully utilize its ability, which can backfire when your hand size is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands both blue and generic mana, which may not always be conveniently accessible, especially in multicolored decks that spread their mana base thin.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding three mana for a creature with modest stats and an effect that doesn’t outright influence the board can make Crookclaw Transmuter less appealing compared to other options in the same cost bracket.
Reasons to Include Crookclaw Transmuter in Your Collection
Versatility: Crookclaw Transmuter offers utility in various deck builds. Its ability to switch power and toughness can be tactically used both offensively and defensively, making it a flexible addition to blue-centered decks.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with creatures that have effects triggered by power or toughness alterations. Its surprise factor can also catch opponents off guard, leading to advantageous board states.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature sizes matter, the Crookclaw Transmuter can potentially disrupt tightly wound combat math, making it a useful tool for dealing with larger threats or optimizing damage during skirmishes.
How to beat
Crookclaw Transmuter is known for its unique ability to manipulate battle outcomes in Magic: The Gathering. Its power to switch power and toughness of a creature until end of turn can catch opponents off guard. However, to play against this card effectively, strategic timing and understanding of board state are key. Control decks that can remove creatures or counter key spells often have the upper hand. It’s also crucial to avoid relying heavily on creatures with high toughness as primary defenders since the Transmuter can easily turn these assets into weaknesses.
Another approach is to use instant-speed removal when the Transmuter’s ability is on the stack, neutralizing the threat before it can affect combat. The key is to maintain presence and not to overextend your creature assets which could be bait for the Transmuter’s ability. By being mindful of the trickery Crookclaw Transmuter brings to the field and having a well-prepared arsenal of responses, you can effectively mitigate its impact and maintain control of the game.
All in all, while Crookclaw Transmuter presents an interesting tactical challenge, with a well-calibrated strategy and the right cards at the ready, overcoming this wily threat is entirely within a skilled player’s grasp.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crookclaw Transmuter MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Conspiracy, 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 Transmuter 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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Printings
The Crookclaw Transmuter Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 55 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 94 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 145 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 59 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crookclaw Transmuter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Crookclaw Transmuter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-03-19 | Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to a creature may become lethal if you switch its power and toughness during that turn. |
| 2021-03-19 | Effects that switch a creature’s power and toughness apply after all other effects, regardless of when those effects began to apply. For instance, if you target a 1/2 creature then give it +2/+0 later in the turn, it’s a 2/3 creature, not a 4/1 creature. |
| 2021-03-19 | Switching a creature’s power and toughness twice (or any even number of times) effectively returns the creature to the power and toughness it had before any switches. |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.