Cackling Imp MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Imp
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Cackling Imp’s flying ability applies consistent pressure, shaping opponents’ gameplay choices.
  2. Managing Cackling Imp’s discard requirement demands strategic hand management.
  3. Versatile and synergistic, Cackling Imp can become an essential piece in certain MTG decks.

Text of card

Flying : Target player loses 1 life.

Its laughter drives needles through your mind.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Cackling Imp may not let you draw cards directly, its ability to repeatedly threaten damage from the air can pressure opponents into unfavorable trades or expend removal, indirectly leading to advantageous card situations.

Resource Acceleration: Although Cackling Imp isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its mere presence can disrupt your opponent’s plans and allow you to capitalize on the impending board state, thus accelerating your control over the game’s tempo.

Instant Speed: Cackling Imp itself may be a creature card, but it complements instant-speed actions by establishing a clock that forces opponents to act quickly, making them more vulnerable to your instant-speed interactions during their end step or combat phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cackling Imp challenges players with a discard condition that can prove troublesome during gameplay. This can sometimes backfire, especially when your hand is filled with key cards necessary for your strategy. It imposes a trade-off that requires careful consideration, as losing a potentially valuable card can steer the course of the match.

Specific Mana Cost: Cackling Imp comes with a specific mana cost that can pose a deck-building constraint. Requiring both black and generic mana means it may not easily fit into multi-colored decks, especially those that do not prioritize black mana or lack the necessary mana fixing to accommodate it smoothly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: One critical viewpoint is its mana cost when compared to other cards with similar abilities. Cackling Imp may seem lacking in efficiency, particularly for players looking for faster or more impactful plays. Its casting cost demands a substantial amount of resources that could potentially be directed towards more potent effects or creatures to sway the game in your favor.


Reasons to Include Cackling Imp in Your Collection

Versatility: Cackling Imp provides a recurring flying threat that can fit into a variety of black-based decks. Its ability to ping opponents for life loss can work as a clock in control or midrange strategies.

Combo Potential: The imp’s consistent damage effect can be used in conjunction with lifelink enablers or sacrifice mechanics, creating opportunities for both offensive and defensive synergies within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where slower, grindy games are prevalent, Cackling Imp can steadily tip the scales in your favor, proving itself to be a nuisance that requires an answer.


How to beat

Cackling Imp brings a particular dynamic to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Known for its flying ability, this black creature can be a steady source of pressure, especially since it allows a player to target opponents and steadily decrease their life total each turn. To counter this winged nuisance, one should consider options like reach or flying creatures to block it effectively. Cards such as Plummet or Windstorm can also be a direct solution to remove it from the game instantly. Enchantment-based removal, like Pacifism, also provides a way to neutralize Cackling Imp without having to destroy it, effectively rendering its ability useless and keeping your life total safe from its sinister chuckle.

Strategic deck building can also mitigate the impact of the Imp. Including cards that gain life can offset the damage it causes. Moreover, prioritizing the removal of creatures with troublesome abilities can be key in maintaining control of the match. It’s important not to underestimate the cumulative effect of any card, including Cackling Imp, and to have a game plan that can adapt to flying threats.


Cards like Cackling Imp

Cackling Imp offers MTG players an intriguing gameplay dynamic with its flying ability and the power to tap and make an opponent lose life. It calls to mind other creatures such as Daggerdrome Imp, which also provides a life loss mechanism but through lifelink rather than a tap ability. Daggerdrome Imp may be less costly in mana terms, yet lacks the direct control over life points that Cackling Imp commands.

Looking towards the Skulking Ghost, another creature card, there’s a resemblance in the evasion provided by flying. However, Skulking Ghost brings a fragility to the board, forced to sacrifice itself when targeted by a spell or ability, unlike the sturdier Cackling Imp. Conversely, Thieving Imp has a similar etymology but operates differently, focusing on disrupting the opponent’s hand rather than impacting their life total directly.

By comparing the nuances like cost efficiency, board presence, and the nature of the abilities, Cackling Imp presents a unique blend of aerial threat and steady life depletion that distinguishes it among its peers in MTG’s vast repertoire of creature cards.

Daggerdrome Imp - MTG Card versions
Skulking Ghost - MTG Card versions
Daggerdrome Imp - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Skulking Ghost - Mirage (MIR)

Cards similar to Cackling Imp by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - Chronicles (CHR)
Rag Man - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Phyrexian Debaser - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Slinking Skirge - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Gravedigger - The List (PLST)
Scandalmonger - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Urborg Shambler - Invasion (INV)
Whispering Shade - Odyssey (ODY)
Filth - Judgment (JUD)
Demon of Catastrophes - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Bold Plagiarist - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Toxin Sliver - Legions (LGN)
Vampiric Spirit - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Nim Shambler - Mirrodin (MRD)
Scourge of Numai - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Deathgazer - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Dirty Wererat - Hachette UK (PHUK)
Faceless Butcher - Time Spiral Timeshifted (TSB)
Crowd of Cinders - Shadowmoor (SHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cackling Imp MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic, 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 Cackling Imp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cackling Imp Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Matt Thompson.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-06-04Fifth Dawn5DN 442003normalblackMatt Thompson
22009-04-10Duel Decks: Divine vs. DemonicDDC 412003normalblackMatt Thompson
32014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 412015normalblackMatt Thompson
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 5882003normalblackMatt Thompson
52020-09-26The ListPLST DDC-412003normalblackMatt Thompson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cackling Imp has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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