Marsh Crocodile MTG Card
2001-02-05 - Number 115
2005-08-22 - Number E27
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Crocodile |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
When Marsh Crocodile comes into play, return a blue or black creature you control to its owner's hand. When Marsh Crocodile comes into play, each player discards a card from his or her hand.
Cards like Marsh Crocodile
The Marsh Crocodile stands as an intriguing option among creatures with enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects in Magic: The Gathering. This unique creature shares some similarities with the likes of Dinrova Horror, which also returns a permanent to its owner’s hand upon entering the battlefield. What sets Marsh Crocodile apart is its dual effect of returning a creature and compelling each player to discard a card from their hand, a twist that can be both a drawback and an advantage depending on the state of the game.
Skyclave Shade is another card that resonates with the discard theme, though with an alternative angle. While not featuring an ETB effect itself, Skyclave Shade returns from the graveyard to your hand, complementing strategies involving discarding as a resource rather than a disadvantage. Sibsig Icebreakers, on the contrary, forces all players to discard a card upon its ETB without offering any further benefits, emphasizing the distinction in versatility between these cards.
Assessing such creatures and their implications, it’s clear that Marsh Crocodile offers a compelling mix of control and disruption, positioning itself as a multifaceted card within creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Marsh Crocodile by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Marsh Crocodile provides a unique form of card advantage upon entering the battlefield, as it compels both the player and their opponent to discard a card. This effect can be tactically advantageous in games where the player has built their deck to benefit from graveyard interactions or to disrupt an opponent’s hand.
Resource Acceleration: Including Marsh Crocodile in decks that thrive on returning creatures to the hand can turn its drawback into a benefit. By replaying creatures with strong enter-the-battlefield effects, a player can accelerate their resource advantage and board presence, ironically using the Crocodile’s initial downside to further their own game plan.
Instant Speed: While Marsh Crocodile doesn’t function at instant speed, pairing it with cards that allow you to flash in creatures means it can be unexpectedly dropped onto the battlefield, disrupting your opponent’s strategy at a crucial moment. This surprise factor can shift the game in your favor, especially if timed to capitalize on an opponent’s depleted hand or resources.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When you cast Marsh Crocodile, you and your opponent must both discard a card. This effect can backfire if you’re already behind in card advantage or if it benefits an opponent’s graveyard-based strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Marsh Crocodile’s mana cost includes both blue and black mana, which can be a limitation for players not running a deck that supports these colors effectively. It’s less versatile for monocolor or certain multicolor decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two that are color-specific, Marsh Crocodile’s entry to the battlefield comes at a significant resource investment. Considering other creatures or spells at a similar or lower mana cost, the impact and utility of Marsh Crocodile might not match up favorably against alternatives available in the meta.
Reasons to Include Marsh Crocodile in Your Collection
Versatility: Marsh Crocodile extends its reach beyond mere creature play. As a sizable body, it can impose threats on the battlefield. Furthermore, its enter-the-battlefield effect can serve as a strategic reset, selectively discarding impactful cards for gameplay advantage.
Combo Potential: This card presents a synergy goldmine when paired with cards that revel in discarding or graveyard interaction. Unleash new strategies by exploring the depths of combo plays that turn a simple discard into a formidable advantage.
Meta-Relevance: With a battlefield brimming with various strategies, Marsh Crocodile can disrupt opponents’ hands while accelerating your own graveyard-centric game plan. This duality can pivot crucial moments in matchups, keeping your deck adaptive and competitive.
How to beat
Marsh Crocodile presents a unique challenge when it lands on the MTG battlefield. This creature from the Planeshift set forces both players to sacrifice another creature and discard a card when it enters the battlefield. This can disrupt strategies, especially if you’re unprepared. To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to manage your board presence wisely.
Keeping a creature on the board that you’re willing to sacrifice is one tactic, such as using token creatures or creatures with low value. Additionally, having cards with madness or other abilities that trigger when discarded can turn the Crocodile’s downside into an advantage for you. Instants like ‘Unsummon’ or ‘Essence Scatter’ can also provide a direct answer by either returning the creature to the owner’s hand before its ability resolves, or countering it entirely upon casting. It’s all about staying one step ahead and using the Crocodile’s entry effect to your benefit.
Remember, flexible planning and a deck that can adapt to forced sacrifices and discard scenarios will make Marsh Crocodile less of a threat. Strategize around its predictable drawback and use it to orchestrate a winning move in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Marsh Crocodile MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and Salvat 2005, 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 Marsh Crocodile 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 Marsh Crocodile Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-02-05 | Planeshift | PLS | 115 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | E27 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Marsh Crocodile has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Marsh Crocodile card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Both triggered abilities trigger at the same time so you can decide which order they go on the stack. |
| 2004-10-04 | This card can return itself to your hand. |
| 2004-10-04 | You choose the creature to return on resolution of the triggered ability. This is not targeted. |