Spineless Thug MTG Card
2000-02-14 - Number 71
2001-04-11 - Number 164★
2001-04-11 - Number 164
2003-07-28 - Number 166★
2003-07-28 - Number 166
2005-07-29 - Number 165
2005-07-29 - Number 165★
2005-08-22 - Number F31
2005-08-22 - Number F19
2005-08-22 - Number F18
2007-07-13 - Number 180
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Zombie Mercenary |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Spineless Thug can't block.
These troops are only as strong as the evincar's control.
Cards like Spineless Thug
Spineless Thug may seem like an ordinary creature card in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, yet there is value in its simplicity. It resembles numerous other creatures such as Unworthy Dead in terms of being a low-cost creature with the ability to survive combat because of its notable inability to block. This attribute is shared among several creatures, offering a strategic option for players focusing on aggressive tactics rather than defense.
Analogous to cards like Dross Prowler, who also possess a skilled offense over defense paradigm, Spineless Thug encourages a style where each move is about maximizing attack opportunities. Unlike Dross Prowler, however, Spineless Thug does not have the regeneration ability, presenting a lighter mana burden and potentially a smoother integration into various deck builds. Mourning Thrull presents another comparison, offering evasion and life gain but at the cost of additional colored mana requirements.
Assessing the landscape, Spineless Thug fits nicely in a deck that prizes unblocked attackers potentially boosted by various spells or abilities. Its straightforward nature provides a reliable option for players who value a consistent offensive over versatile defenses.
Cards similar to Spineless Thug by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spineless Thug may not directly provide card advantage, but as a creature, it offers repeatable combat potential. Its unblockability under certain conditions can be instrumental in consistently dealing damage to your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Although Spineless Thug does not offer traditional resource acceleration like generating mana or treasure tokens, its resilience in combat could potentially free up your other resources. You can allocate mana elsewhere, secure in the knowledge that Spineless Thug can handle itself on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: While Spineless Thug itself isn’t an instant, its ability to remain undetected by particular creatures—those without flying—can affect your opponent’s decisions at instant speed. Their need to consider whether to attack or hold back flying defenders can work in your favor, allowing you tactical advantages during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spineless Thug may not demand a card discard to play, but its lackluster effect fails to compensate for card slots it occupies in your hand, potentially leading to discarded strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a specific mana cost that is all colorless, which in some multi-color decks might not be as much of an obstacle, but still represents a commitment of resources that could be spent on more impactful cards.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not overly expensive, the mana investment to field Spineless Thug can feel inefficient compared to other options. At the cost of two generic mana plus one swamp, savvy players might opt for creatures or spells that offer greater functionality or synergy with their deck’s theme.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Even though Spineless Thug may not appear as a staple at first glance, its nature as an unblockable creature by walls can find a place in niche decks. These decks may emphasize evasive creatures or require consistent combat damage triggers from cards that cannot be easily blocked.
Combo Potential: In the realm of casual play, Spineless Thug has synergy with various equipment and auras that boost power or provide additional effects upon dealing combat damage, thus enhancing its utility as an inexpensive and reliable attacker.
Meta-Relevance: In certain casual metas that focus heavily on defender-based decks, Spineless Thug can serve as a key piece to bypass such defenses. Although not a top-tier competitive card, its specific ability to ignore walls may offer surprising benefits under the right circumstances.
How to beat
Spineless Thug, a card from the Necropolis set, might seem like a minor obstacle in Magic: The Gathering with its inability to block. However, its 3/2 stats for a cheap mana cost can quickly turn it into an offensive nuisance on the battlefield. The trick to countering this card lies in understanding its weaknesses and preparing your strategy accordingly.
To overcome Spineless Thug, consider employing creatures that can deal damage without receiving any in return. First strike or deathtouch abilities are your allies here, as they can remove the thug before it has the chance to retaliate. Additionally, make use of spells that can neutralize it without needing to engage in combat, such as Pacifism or direct damage spells like Shock. Remember, Spineless Thug’s lack of defense is its Achilles’ heel, and focusing on removal or controlling the battlefield effectively can nullify its presence. By adapting your deck and considering the array of removal options available, the spineless nuisance becomes a trivial matter to handle in your game plan.
Keeping in mind this strategy when facing off against Spineless Thug, you can ensure that this seemingly troublesome card won’t derail your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spineless Thug MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis and Seventh Edition, 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 Spineless Thug 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Spineless Thug Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2000-02-14 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-02-14 | Nemesis | NEM | 71 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 2 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 164★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Alan Pollack | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 164 | 1997 | Normal | White | Alan Pollack | |
| 4 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 166★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 5 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 166 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 6 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 165 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 7 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 165★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 8 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | F31 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 9 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | F19 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 10 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | F18 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 11 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 180 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spineless Thug has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |