Cabal Slaver MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Cleric
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	131
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Pete Venters

Key Takeaways

Enhances Goblin decks by turning combat damage into a discard mechanic for opponents.
Excels in multiplayer formats, insisting on hand disruption for strategic play.
Diverse interactions offer a critical edge in decks focused on resource denial.

Text of card

Whenever a Goblin deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card from his or her hand.

"In its natural habitat, the goblin is stupid, yet devious. Now it's stupid, devious, and powerful."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cabal Slaver can be a potent source of card advantage. Despite not allowing direct card draw, it synergizes well with discard strategies, effectively dismantling your opponent’s hand while maintaining your own resources.

Resource Acceleration: In decks built around the Goblins archetype, this card can amplify the value of each Goblin played. As more Goblins swarm the field, they can collectively pressure the opponent into making unfavorable trades or losing valuable cards, which can be a form of indirect resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Cabal Slaver itself does not operate at instant speed, its triggered ability has the potential to synergize with other instant-speed disruption cards, creating opportunities for swinging the game in your favor during an opponent’s turn. This makes it a surprising and flexible element in a tactical discard-focused game plan.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though the ability of Cabal Slaver to capitalize on an opponent’s discard can be potent, it demands a consistent setup to trigger the benefit. Without a reliable way to make your opponent discard cards, its potential advantage is significantly diminished.

Specific Mana Cost: Cabal Slaver requires a combination of one black mana and two generic mana, which could be problematic in multi-color decks that are not heavily invested in black mana resources. This specific mana cost may restrict its inclusion to predominantly black decks, limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Cabal Slaver’s ability is contingent on another action (opponents discarding cards) to be effective, which might be considered costly given that there are other creatures or spells at or below that cost which have an immediate impact on the game without any additional prerequisites.

Reasons to Include Cabal Slaver in Your Collection

Versatility: Cabal Slaver offers a unique ability that applies pressure in multiplayer games, particularly in formats where hand disruption is a viable strategy. Its ability to give all Goblins you control the chance to make opponents discard a card when they deal combat damage can be a game-changer in the right deck.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergistic builds, complementing both Goblin tribal and discard-focused decks. In a well-crafted setup, Cabal Slaver can act as the lynchpin that turns every Goblin attack into a potential setback for your opponents, disrupting their plans and hand composition.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where players tend to accumulate large hands, Cabal Slaver gains more relevance. Players using strategies that rely on a full grip of cards will find a relentless adversary in decks featuring this unconventional slaver, as it gradually whittles down their resources each combat phase.

How to beat

Cabal Slaver is a unique threat in MTG that thrives in a deck teeming with Goblins. This creature turns each Goblin’s combat damage to an opponent into an opportunity to disrupt the opponent’s hand, forcing them to discard a card. This ability, potent in Goblin tribal decks, can quickly tilt the balance of power by eroding your opponent’s resources.

To effectively counter a strategy centered around Cabal Slaver, one effective strategy is to remove the creature before it can activate its ability. Instant speed removal spells that can target Cabal Slaver before it impacts the game are invaluable. Board wipes are also a compelling answer, as they reset the battlefield, thereby nullifying the advantage provided by the Slaver’s synergy with Goblins.

Moreover, utilizing cards that prevent targeted discard or protect your hand altogether can mitigate the impact of Cabal Slaver’s ability. Cards with hexproof for your hand, like Witchbane Orb, nullify the Slaver’s advantage by safeguarding your cards. In summarizing the tactical approach, neutralizing the Slaver quickly, maintaining board control, and safeguarding your hand are keys to overcoming the Cabal Slaver’s disruptive potential.

Cards like Cabal Slaver

Cabal Slaver is a unique creature in MTG that shines in decks revolving around the discard mechanic. When we look at other cards that benefit from opponents discarding cards, Waste Not stands out. Waste Not provides various advantages depending on the card type discarded, from drawing additional cards to adding black mana to your pool, offering versatility in how you capitalize on this disruption.

Another card worth noting is Liliana’s Caress, which has a direct damage ability triggered by discarded cards, similar to how Cabal Slaver grants an army of Goblins. Although Liliana’s Caress impacts an opponent’s life total rather than the battlefield, it serves a similar purpose in punishing opponents for discarding cards. While Cabal Slaver powers up an aggressive strategy with creature tokens, Liliana’s Caress applies pressure through life point reduction.

Understanding the synergy between Cabal Slaver and these counterparts is essential for MTG deck builders. Although Cabal Slaver offers a tangible army to press the advantage, its counterparts can offer more immediate or versatile benefits. Localization and the preference between generating tokens, dealing damage, or receiving other resources can dictate the choice between these powerful discard-focused cards.

Cards similar to Cabal Slaver by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cabal Slaver MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Cabal Slaver and other MTG cards: