Pincher Beetles MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 244
1999-11-12 - Number 51
2007-07-13 - Number 285★
2007-07-13 - Number 285
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Insect |
| Abilities | Shroud |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Pincher Beetles cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
"No fair! Since when does a bug get ta munch on *me*?" —Squee, goblin cabin hand
Cards like Pincher Beetles
Pincher Beetles holds its unique place in the vast ecosystem of Magic: The Gathering creatures. With a notable Shroud ability, it stands in contrast to other creatures in the three mana cost range such as Trained Armodon, which lacks this protection yet offers a slightly stronger power. Shroud prevents Pincher Beetles from being the target of both your spells and abilities as well as your opponent’s, ensuring its survival against various forms of targeted removal or enhancement.
Another creature to consider when analyzing similar cards is Nessian Courser, a simple yet efficient creature that doesn’t possess any abilities but boasts a solid 3/3 body for the same mana cost. Though it lacks the defense mechanisms of the Pincher Beetles, it compensates with its straightforward strength, providing a reliable creature for combat scenarios right away. Moreover, Dungrove Elder emerges as an interesting comparison, adjusting in power and toughness to the number of forests you control and further fortified with hexproof, granting it immunity from opponents’ targeted spells.
Upon comparing various creatures in the three-mana slot, Pincher Beetles shines in situations where protection from targeted effects is paramount, yet it may give way in raw power to its peers lacking such defensive capabilities. Thus, it offers a strategic choice for decks emphasizing resilience over aggression.
Cards similar to Pincher Beetles by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pincher Beetles comes with a robust advantage in that it automatically enhances your creature count on the battlefield. This may not directly translate to drawing cards, but having a creature that can potentially survive both combat and a variety of removal spells due to its shroud ability can equate to a form of card advantage, as it remains a persistent threat that requires no further investment.
Resource Acceleration: While Pincher Beetles itself doesn’t generate additional resources in terms of mana, its relatively low casting cost can preserve your mana for other plays. This efficiency can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by allowing you to deploy more threats or answers alongside it, thus maintaining pressure and resource parity with your opponent.
Instant Speed: The shroud ability of Pincher Beetles doesn’t interact with instant speed directly; however, the mere presence of a shroud creature can influence the pace of the game. Opponents may be forced to act at instant speed before you declare attackers, knowing they can’t target the Beetles later. The indirect impact of a shroud creature can therefore shift how and when interaction happens in a game, playing into the hands of a player who values surprise and adaptability.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Not applicable to Pincher Beetles as they do not have an associated discard mechanic. They require no additional costs beyond their mana cost to play.
Specific Mana Cost: Pincher Beetles demands two green mana, making it less versatile. This can be restrictive as it necessitates a commitment to green mana sources, potentially limiting its inclusion in multi-colored or non-green centric decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Pincher Beetles comes with a casting cost of three mana including two green. For this investment, a 3/3 creature is decent, but it may not compare favorably in environments where creatures of similar cost bring additional abilities or have a larger impact on the board state.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pincher Beetles slips effortlessly into numerous decks, with its intrinsic shroud making it a steadfast defender against targeted spells and abilities. This adaptability shines in green-focused decks that value long-term board presence.
Combo Potential: While not a combo centerpiece, Pincher Beetles synergizes well with effects that capitalize on creature survivability, strengthening strategies centered around creature longevity and evasion tactics.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where targeted removal is rampant, Pincher Beetles’ natural resilience to such strategies makes it a sturdy option, ideal for players looking to maintain a persistent threat on the battlefield.
How to beat
Pincher Beetles can be a tricky adversary in Magic: The Gathering due to its shroud ability, which prohibits players from targeting it with spells or abilities. It’s a reliable three-cost green creature that can become quite a thorn in the side of an unprepared opponent. Overcoming this stealthy insect requires strategic plays that don’t rely on targeted removal.
One effective approach is to use board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation, which eradicate all creatures on the battlefield without targeting. Another is utilizing spells or abilities that force a player to sacrifice a creature, such as Diabolic Edict, since these bypass shroud by not targeting the creature directly. It’s also wise to play creatures of greater power that can overpower the Pincher Beetles in combat or employ ways to enhance your creatures to dwarf the beetles’ strength.
Ultimately, while Pincher Beetles presents certain challenges, adept players who adapt their strategies can manage and defeat this elusive creature, maintaining control of the board and directing the game towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pincher Beetles MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Battle Royale Box Set, 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 Pincher Beetles 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 Pincher Beetles Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Stephen Daniele.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 244 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Stephen Daniele | |
| 2 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 51 | 1997 | Normal | White | Stephen Daniele | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 285★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephen Daniele | |
| 4 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 285 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephen Daniele |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pincher Beetles 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 |