Grotag Thrasher MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Lizard |
| Released | 2010-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Worldwake |
| Set code | WWK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 83 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jesper Ejsing |
Text of card
Whenever Grotag Thrasher attacks, target creature can't block this turn.
The goblin fancied himself a rider. The lizard was happy with its new flail.
Cards like Grotag Thrasher
Grotag Thrasher is a distinctive creature card in the vast world of Magic: The Gathering. It finds company with cards such as Madcap Skills, both granting additional power to creatures and providing a means to circumvent blockers. Grotag Thrasher offers this through its unique ability to force a creature to block it if able, similar to the lure effect. Madcap Skills, however, gives the enhanced creature +3/+0 and the ability to only be blocked by two or more creatures, enhancing the attacking potential without forcing a block.
Comparatively, Roar of the Crowd stands as another card that capitalizes on creature count to boost damage potential, akin to Grotag Thrasher’s power increase per controlled Ally. While Grotag Thrasher leverages allies for combat manipulation, Roar of the Crowd can convert a board filled with creatures into a devastating direct damage spell.
On balance, Grotag Thrasher presents a unique approach for MTG players who favor combat strategies and synergy with Allies. It may not be as versatile as Roar of the Crowd or as aggressively enhancing as Madcap Skills, yet its ability to dictate combat dynamics secures it a noteworthy spot in decks cultivating a battlefield advantage.
Cards similar to Grotag Thrasher by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Digging through your library, Grotag Thrasher becomes a key piece in churning through your deck to find necessary spells or creatures, effectively letting you shape the course of the match in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: By possibly altering combat outcomes, Grotag Thrasher can indirectly lead to resource advantage, as it may force your opponent to defend with creatures that could have been used for other abilities or attacking, thus slowing them down and giving you the edge.
Instant Speed: While Grotag Thrasher itself isn’t an instant, its power to affect combat as a surprise blocker or an attacking force can disrupt your opponent’s strategy as effectively as a well-timed instant might, giving you a tactical advantage during the heat of battle.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Grotag Thrasher demands sacrificing another creature to unleash its full potential. This can set you back, particularly when your board position is fragile and lacking in expendable creatures.
Specific Mana Cost: Grotag Thrasher’s casting cost requires both red and generic mana, which might not blend seamlessly into multicolored decks where mana flexibility is crucial.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana with three being generic, its power level may not align with its casting cost, especially when other creatures at a similar mana range provide more immediate or substantial board impact
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Grotag Thrasher offers flexibility in deck building. Its ability to force enemy creatures to block can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and pairs well with various deck archetypes, particularly those that manipulate the combat phase.
Combo Potential: This creature shines when combined with cards that have on-block or on-death triggers. It’s also a key component in decks that capitalize on Lure effects, ensuring that your more lethal creatures can get through unblocked.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where control is king, Grotag Thrasher can become an essential tool. By compelling block decisions, it can help clear a path for your decisive strikes or work to dismantle your opponent’s board control, making it a card worth considering for your arsenal.
How to beat
Grotag Thrasher presents a unique challenge on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. As a creature with the power to potentially force your creatures to block unfavorably, it’s vital to devise a strategy to overcome this obstacle. The key is to reduce the available targets for Grotag Thrasher’s ability, which means either keeping a low creature count on your side or having creatures with effects that discourage being targeted, such as those with deathtouch or those that can benefit from being declared as blockers.
Additionally, removal spells are your best friends in this situation. Instant-speed removal like Murder or Fatal Push allows you to answer Grotag Thrasher before it becomes a significant problem, minimizing the impact of its special ability. Consider also the value of board wipes, which can reset the playing field and give you a fresh start, removing Grotag Thrasher and other potential threats in one fell swoop.
By prioritizing the management of your creature count and having removal at the ready, you can effectively neutralize the tactical advantage Grotag Thrasher brings to your opponent’s side and maintain control of the game. Mastery of these strategies will enhance your gameplay and could very well secure your victory against this troublesome card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Grotag Thrasher MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake, 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 Grotag Thrasher 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 Grotag Thrasher has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grotag Thrasher card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-03-01 | Grotag Thrasher’s ability can target any creature, not just one the defending player controls. For example, if you want that player’s creatures to be able to block this turn, you can target Grotag Thrasher with its own ability. |
| 2010-03-01 | The targeted creature is prohibited from blocking any creature this turn, not just Grotag Thrasher. |