Pygmy Razorback MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Boar
Abilities	Trample
Released	2000-06-05
Set symbol
Set name	Prophecy
Set code	PCY
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	120
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Matt Cavotta

Key Takeaways

Valuable for recurring and maintaining card advantage through graveyard interaction and consistent board presence.
Offers early tactical advantages with low mana cost, leaving resources available for other instant-speed plays.
Though facing mana and discard challenges, it can still enhance aggressive strategies with its trample ability.

Text of card

Trample

As a rite of passage, Kipamu youths taunt razorbacks with long sticks . . . then flee.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The niche strength of Pygmy Razorback doesn’t revolve around traditional card draw, but rather in its ability to recur from the graveyard under certain deck conditions, providing a persistent threat that can contribute to card advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: Though Pygmy Razorback isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, this creature card’s low casting cost allows for a quick deployment on the battlefield, effectively advancing your board presence without a significant investment of mana resources.

Instant Speed: While Pygmy Razorback itself is not an instant-speed spell, its low mana cost synergizes well with decks that operate at instant speed, as it leaves mana open for counterspells or instant-speed removal, ensuring that you utilize all your resources efficiently each turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players considering the inclusion of Pygmy Razorback in their decks, one drawback is the potential necessity to discard cards to play other synergistic spells. This can lead to a dwindling hand size and limit strategic options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Pygmy Razorback’s casting cost requires a precise combination of mana, which might not seamlessly fit into all deck types. Multicolored decks or those with a demanding mana curve could find integrating this card challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With numerous creatures available across the MTG universe, Pygmy Razorback competes for a slot in decks that could otherwise utilize creatures with lower casting costs or those that offer greater impact on the board for a similar investment.

Reasons to Include Pygmy Razorback in Your Collection

Versatility: Pygmy Razorback offers a cost-effective creature choice for decks aiming to capitalize on aggressive early-game board presence. Its trample ability ensures that even as a small creature, it can often still deal some damage to opponents.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with gear that enhances its power or with spells that manipulate combat, such as those increasing its attack potential unexpectedly to catch an opponent off guard.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where low-cost creatures prevail and games are won quickly, Pygmy Razorback can serve as a crucial piece in asserting early dominance in the match.

How to beat

Pygmy Razorback might not be the largest creature in the Magic: The Gathering universe, but don’t let its size deceive you. This creature has a tendency to punch above its weight class, especially when bolstered by equipment or auras. Fortunately, there are a few strategies to effectively neutralize this spiny threat. First and foremost, Pygmy Razorback’s modest stats make it susceptible to most removal spells. Cards like Shock or Lightning Bolt can easily dispatch it from the battlefield before it becomes a nuisance. If creature removal isn’t in your hand, you could also use a simple blocker, as Pygmy Razorback lacks trample and will struggle to push through substantial damage against even moderately sized defenders.

Another key to besting Pygmy Razorback lies in the proactive control of the board. Ensnaring it with enchantments that prevent it from attacking or blocking can render it inert, allowing you to dictate the pace of the game. It’s also worth mentioning that because of its low cost, it can appear early in the game, so having a plan from the onset can help ensure it never becomes a thorn in your side.

In essence, while Pygmy Razorback poses a challenge to unprepared players, incorporating versatile removal and sturdy blockers into your deck ensures that this prickly creature doesn’t overrun your defenses in the realm of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards like Pygmy Razorback

Delving into the creature-rich environment of MTG, the Pygmy Razorback makes for an intriguing comparison within two-mana cost creatures. Not unlike the unassuming Elvish Warrior, the Pygmy Razorback doesn’t immediately stand out with its base stats of 2/2. However, where it shines is in its trample ability, enabling potential damage overspill to an opponent.

When pitted against other akin creatures like Runeclaw Bear, the Razorback’s trample gives it a slight edge as it can still affect your opponent’s life total through chump blockers. Considering the importance of combat tricks in game dynamics, this ability, albeit small, can tip scales in your favor. Another card worth comparing is the Alpine Grizzly, a creature that offers a 4/2 stat line for three mana. While the Grizzly boasts higher damage potential, it’s also a full mana more expensive, making the Pygmy Razorback a go-to for players who prefer early game board presence.

Scrutinizing the ecosystem of similar cards, the Pygmy Razorback holds its ground as a no-frills, solid option for players looking to infuse their deck with a cost-effective creature capable of sneaking in extra damage, showing that sometimes, the smallest features can make a sizable impact on gameplay.

Cards similar to Pygmy Razorback by color, type and mana cost

Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions

Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions

Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions

Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions

Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pygmy Razorback MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Pygmy Razorback and other MTG cards: