Pygmy Allosaurus MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Dinosaur
Abilities	Swampwalk
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	257
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anson Maddocks

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by enduring fatal skirmishes, bolstering your on-field creature count.
Its intimidating presence on the battlefield can force opponents into suboptimal plays.
Requires thoughtful deck building due to specific mana needs and high casting costs.

Text of card

Swampwalk

"I don't understand the appeal of keeping these things as pets, unless you want your children eaten." —General Jarkeld, the Arctic Fox

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Pygmy Allosaurus from the Ice Age set offers a strategic benefit when faced with decks that exploit creatures’ deaths. Since it can survive what would often be fatal exchanges due to its above-average toughness, it helps to preserve your creature count on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While the Pygmy Allosaurus itself doesn’t directly offer mana acceleration, its presence can be a deterrent, potentially slowing down your opponent’s tempo. It maintains board presence, which indirectly protects your resources and allows you to build up mana for other high-impact plays.

Instant Speed: While the Pygmy Allosaurus is not an instant speed spell, its Jurassic intimidation factor can influence opponents’ actions during their turn. Its mere presence can lead to opponents making suboptimal plays, waiting for the right time to deal with this prehistoric threat, granting you the advantage of playing on your own terms.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike certain cards that offer added benefits without extra costs, Pygmy Allosaurus has no such perks. Navigating the game without additional downsides is always a smoother experience.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes two green mana, the Pygmy Allosaurus demands a dedication towards green mana-producing lands or sources, which may not seamlessly fit into decks with a wider color palette.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with its stats, the mana expense to bring Pygmy Allosaurus onto the field might overshadow its utility, especially when there are numerous alternatives that could provide a better power to mana cost ratio.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pygmy Allosaurus has the adaptability to slip into various deck types with ease, specifically those looking to beef up their creature line-up or for themed builds such as dinosaur-centric strategies.

Combo Potential: As a dinosaur, it synergizes with paleontological power plays, enabling dinosaur tribal combinations or supporting mechanics that capitalize on the presence of prehistoric powerhouses on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where smaller creatures dominate, Pygmy Allosaurus can become an unexpected defender, due to its solid build for efficient mana cost, making it a smart choice for both offensive and defensive strategies.

How to beat

The Pygmy Allosaurus is an intriguing creature card from Magic: The Gathering. It’s a throwback to simpler times in MTG’s history but can still be a thorn in your side if you’re not prepared. Unlike the more complex dinosaurs introduced in recent sets, the Pygmy Allosaurus has a straightforward design. It’s a 2/2 creature for three mana, which might seem modest, but it can easily fit into decks that capitalize on ramping up or dinosaur synergies.

When facing this prehistoric peril, there are several strategies to consider. First, control the battlefield with removal spells that can handle creatures regardless of size, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile. Board wipes are also effective, clearing multiple threats, including your opponent’s dinosaurs, with a single spell. Utilizing creatures with deathtouch can deter an attack from the Pygmy Allosaurus, and enchantments that weaken opposing creatures can render it far less formidable.

Remember, while the Pygmy Allosaurus hails from MTG’s earlier sets, with well-planned tactics, it’s a challenge that can be handled deftly. Adjust your own deck to anticipate creature-based strategies and you’ll find yourself well-equipped to stave off this petite Jurassic juggernaut.

Cards like Pygmy Allosaurus

The Pygmy Allosaurus is a unique creature card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of other dinosaur-themed cards like Raptor Hatchling. Both share a prehistoric essence, but our Pygmy Allosaurus stands out with a swift agility, thanks to its three mana cost for a 2/2 creature with the ability to untap all lands during the untap phase.

Exploring further comparisons, Frenzied Raptor comes to mind, a larger creature with higher mana demands and lacks the same level of nimbleness. While the Frenzied Raptor offers a formidable 4/2 body, the Pygmy Allosaurus excels at providing quicker board presence. Additionally, there is Snapping Sailback, another dinosaur relative which flaunts the Flash ability, allowing for surprise defenses. However, it trades off mana efficiency for that instantaneous impact.

Overall, Pygmy Allosaurus offers a blend of speed and efficiency, setting itself as a competitive choice among dino aficionados in Magic: The Gathering. Its balance between cost and functionality makes it a noteworthy option for players looking to sustain momentum and manage their land resources effectively during a match.

Cards similar to Pygmy Allosaurus by color, type and mana cost

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Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions

Shizuko, Caller of Autumn - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pygmy Allosaurus MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Pygmy Allosaurus and other MTG cards: