Psychatog MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 292
2002-08-14 - Number cr292
2014-06-16 - Number 258
2002-06-24 - Number 31467
2005-01-01 - Number 1
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Atog |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Discard a card from your hand: Psychatog gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Remove two cards in your graveyard from the game: Psychatog gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
Cards like Psychatog
Psychatog has carved a niche for itself as a staple in MTG decks that capitalize on graveyard and hand synergies. When comparing it to others, we often weigh it against Oona’s Prowler. Both create pressure by leveraging the discard option. Though Oona’s Prowler can force the opponent to discard as well, Psychatog’s ability to grow stronger based on discarded or exiled cards sets it apart, offering a significant late-game threat.
Murderous Cut offers another perspective, thriving on a full graveyard to reduce its mana cost. While it doesn’t grow like Psychatog, the instant removal effect provides immediate board impact. However, if board control isn’t crucial at the moment, Psychatog’s versatility and threat potential can prove more valuable. Additionally, Werebear stands as a creature with a tendency to grow in power with a full graveyard, but lacking the instant discard ability makes it less unpredictable and scalable than Psychatog’s immediate impact and potential size.
Thus, examining Psychatog’s unique power to adapt and wield both the player’s hand and graveyard as resources, it’s clear why this card enjoys a prestigious position. The dynamics of hand management and graveyard utilization give Psychatog a multifaceted edge that’s hard to replicate.
Cards similar to Psychatog by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Psychatog. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Aggro | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
 | Psychatog | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
| Gro-A-Tog | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Dimir Stiflenought | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am | |
 | Decklist | Free form | 80#CS | |
 | Full English Breakfast | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Mono-Blue Control | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Psychatog offers a compelling edge by turning discarded cards and spent resources into raw power. This unique ability is essential for outmaneuvering opponents, particularly in formats where managing your hand and graveyard can swing the game in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of acceleration, Psychatog’s capacity to effectively utilize graveyard resources often translates to a faster game pace. By leveraging the graveyard as an extension of the hand, players can expedite their strategy and pressure opponents sooner than expected.
Instant Speed: Psychatog operates at instant speed, empowering players to adapt swiftly to the evolving battlefield. This versatility ensures that it can respond to threats or opportunities fluidly, making it a formidable presence that can alter the tide of a match with just the right timing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Psychatog demands that players discard their own cards to fuel its power, which may deplete a player’s hand and limit strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both blue and black mana, necessitating a dual-color deck build and potentially restricting its inclusion based on a player’s mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though its initial casting cost seems low, for Psychatog to become a significant threat, it relies on a heavy investment of additional cards and therefore mana, which might be costlier in comparison to other creatures with instant impact on the game.
Reasons to Include Psychatog in Your Collection
Versatility: Psychatog is a dynamic card that thrives in various deck archetypes. It’s a fundamental piece in control decks and can serve as a crucial finisher. Its ability to discard cards and eat away at graveyards allows for significant flexibility during gameplay, adapting to numerous situations.
Combo Potential: With the right set of cards, Psychatog becomes a powerhouse. Its ability to grow exponentially in power offers immense synergy with strategies that revolve around graveyard manipulation and card draw, enabling explosive turns that can unexpectedly end the game.
Meta-Relevance: Despite its age, Psychatog remains relevant in certain metagames, particularly in Eternal formats where its unique abilities can outmaneuver opponents. It’s a card that can still catch many unprepared, asserting its staying power in a fluctuating competitive scene.
How to beat
Psychatog has been a defining force in the MTG realm, renowned for its ability to grow at a moment’s notice and turn the game on its head. Its strength lies in its capacity to discard cards and remove cards in the graveyard, thus becoming an overwhelming threat. However, defeating this powerful card is not impossible. Control strategies should focus on denying the graveyard’s resources through cards like Rest in Peace or Grafdigger’s Cage, which prevent the ‘Tog from accessing its feeding grounds.
Timing is also essential. Playing removal spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push in response to the activation of Psychatog’s abilities can take advantage of the opponent’s commitment to the board, leaving them vulnerable. Efficient counterspells such as Mana Leak are practical during early game stages when the opponent’s mana is scarce. Control decks could leverage exile mechanics and graveyard hate to keep the Psychatog at bay, ensuring it never becomes a substantial threat.
Understanding the mechanics and preparing your deck with the correct answers will turn the tides against Psychatog. By anticipating the need to combat this type of strategy, your deck will be well-equipped to neutralize what was once considered an indomitable MTG card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Psychatog MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Magic Online Promos, 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 Psychatog 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
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Printings
The Psychatog Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 292 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 31467 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | ||
| 3 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | cr292 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 4 | Magic Player Rewards 2005 | P05 | 1 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | ||
| 5 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 258 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Psychatog has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |