Pit Scorpion MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 114
1995-04-01 - Number 153
1995-04-01 - Number 153
1995-08-01 - Number 63
1997-03-24 - Number 187
2016-11-16 - Number 65823
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Scorpion |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
If Scorpion damages opponent, opponent gets a poison counter. If opponent ever has ten or more poison counters, opponent loses game.
Sometimes the smallest nuisance can be the greatest pain.
Cards like Pit Scorpion
Pit Scorpion stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a treacherous little creature card known for its venomous sting. It reminds seasoned players of Sabertooth Cobra, another creature with the ability to inflict poison counters on opponents. However, Sabertooth Cobra requires combat damage to a player to activate this effect, while Pit Scorpion imparts its venomous counters with any damage dealt, giving it a subtle tactical advantage.
Another card that comes to mind is Virulent Sliver, which also assigns poison counters, yet additionally has the hive-like sliver synergy. This makes Virulent Sliver not only a threat by itself but also a powerful force multiplier within a sliver deck. Nevertheless, Pit Scorpion maintains its niche for players not invested in the sliver archetype.
In comparing these similar venomous creatures, Pit Scorpion’s ability to potentially sneak through defenses and deliver a lethal blow stands on its own. Its unique property of inflicting poison counters through any form of damage could be game-ending under the right circumstances. Thus, within the realm of toxic creatures, Pit Scorpion poses a deceptively dangerous presence on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Pit Scorpion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pit Scorpion stands out as its venomous touch can potentially take out multiple creatures over the course of a game. Each successful strike by Pit Scorpion adds a layer of control and advantage as opponents must deal with a creature that can be lethal with enough time.
Resource Acceleration: Although Pit Scorpion itself doesn’t directly generate additional resources, its mere presence can save you resources you might otherwise spend on removal spells. Keeping your mana and cards for more strategic plays can subtly accelerate your game plan.
Instant Speed: Quick reactions can be key in Magic. While Pit Scorpion isn’t an instant, its ability to deal damage in the form of poison counters can deter opponents from making aggressive moves at any point of the game. The threat of instant death via ten poison counters keeps opponents on edge, often giving you the upper hand as you maneuver through each phase of the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pit Scorpion doesn’t come with a discard requirement, which is advantageous as it allows players to maintain card advantage while deploying threats on the board.
Specific Mana Cost: With its specific need for one black mana, Pit Scorpion might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that might struggle with the appropriate mana at the right time, limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana — two generic and one black — it can be considered quite high for its 1/1 stats, despite the benefit of poison counters. In environments where speed and efficiency are key, this can impact the card’s playability when compared to other low-cost creatures that offer more immediate board presence or value.
Reasons to Include Pit Scorpion in Your Collection
Versatility: Pit Scorpion offers a distinctive advantage with its poison ability, making it a unique asset for decks focused on alternative win conditions. This single-target creature can become a significant threat in prolonged games, adept at bypassing traditional life-total strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that enhance its damage or provide evasion, Pit Scorpion becomes a powerful component in combos that aim to swiftly increase an opponent’s poison counters, potentially leading to an unexpected victory.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creatures commonly clash and combat tricks are prevalent, the presence of a poisonous attacker like Pit Scorpion can shift the balance, compelling opponents to reconsider their offensive and defensive strategies.
How to beat
Pit Scorpion is a creature card known for its potential to control the battlefield with its poisonous sting. One effective strategy to counter this card in your MTG games is the use of creature removal spells. Since Pit Scorpion only has 1 toughness, it can easily be eliminated with low-cost spells like Shock or Fatal Push, both of which can dispatch the creature with minimal mana investment from your side.
Another tactic involves employing creatures with first strike or those with enough power to resist the Scorpion’s one-time single point of damage, thus removing it from the board without the need for additional spells. Enchantments that prevent or neutralize abilities can also be invaluable, as they render the Scorpion’s poison ability obsolete, making it a harmless addition to the opponent’s forces.
Lastly, it’s crucial to keep your life total in a healthy range and perhaps have ways to gain life, diminishing the Pit Scorpion’s impact even if it manages to land a hit or two. With foresight and preparation, overcoming a Pit Scorpion is within any player’s grasp, keeping them from being a significant threat in your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pit Scorpion MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Pit Scorpion 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 Pit Scorpion Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2016-11-16. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 114 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 153 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 153 | 1993 | Normal | White | Scott Kirschner | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 63 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
| 5 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 187 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ian Miller | |
| 6 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65823 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ian Miller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pit Scorpion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |