Sabretooth Tiger MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 215
1997-03-24 - Number 264
1999-04-21 - Number 203
2001-04-11 - Number 215★
2001-04-11 - Number 215
2003-07-28 - Number 217
2003-07-28 - Number 217★
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cat |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
First strike
"Daughter, it is now your turn to hunt the Tiger, and make a blanket of its fur." —Lovisa Coldeyes, Balduvian Chieftain
Cards like Sabretooth Tiger
The Sabretooth Tiger card is a classic creature from Magic: The Gathering that finds its niche within decks focusing on quick and aggressive plays. When looking at cards with a similar impact, we might consider cards like Silvercoat Lion, a straightforward creature offering vanilla stats for a low cost. The Sabretooth Tiger, distinct with its first strike ability, allows it to effectively outclass the Lion in combat scenarios where timing and order of damage resolution are crucial.
Another card worth comparing is the Leonin Skyhunter, which like the Sabretooth Tiger, fits well in aggressive strategies. Although it carries a higher mana cost, it provides added aerial advantage with flying. This dynamic shifts the playstyle from pure aggression to also including an element of evasive pressure. Unlike the ground-bound Sabretooth Tiger, the Skyhunter can bypass potential blockers entirely.
When placed side by side with other creature cards in the same mana range, the first strike capability of the Sabretooth Tiger often tilts the scales in its favor during combat. It’s an attribute that can be pivotal in early-game strategies, showcasing its value within MTG as a creature card that can influence the board presence significantly, thanks in part to its proactive combat ability.
Cards similar to Sabretooth Tiger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Sabretooth Tiger card can potentially remove an enemy creature from combat when it becomes blocked, ensuring that you maintain creatures on the board while dwindling your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly linked to resource acceleration, by conserving your creatures in battle, Sabretooth Tiger indirectly contributes to preserving your mana and resources for future turns.
Instant Speed: This card’s ability can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to combat situations on the fly, potentially altering combat outcomes in your favor without warning.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging a Sabretooth Tiger in your game plan involves not only paying its mana cost but also potentially discarding valuable cards from your hand to activate its abilities. This requirement can strain your resources, especially in tight situations where each card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Committing to the Sabretooth Tiger means you’re dedicating a portion of your deck to generate its specific mana needs, which may not synergize well with a multi-colored strategy. It’s essential to consider the weight of this inclusion, as it could affect the overall fluidity of your deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana to summon, the Sabretooth Tiger may not be the most cost-effective option at your disposal. Within the ecosystem of creatures and spells available, thought should be given to whether the Sabretooth Tiger’s attributes and abilities are worth the investment, especially when more impactful plays could be made with the same amount of resources.
Reasons to Include Sabretooth Tiger in Your Collection
Versatility: Sabretooth Tiger offers an adaptable threat level that can adapt to various game states. Able to be both a reliable blocker and an aggressive attacker, it suits multiple styles and phases of gameplay.
Combo Potential: With its firebreathing ability, this card can be part of explosive plays. Imagine beefing up Sabretooth Tiger’s power in combination with spells that increase mana or untap creatures, leading to devastating attacks.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that values quick and impactful plays, Sabretooth Tiger has potential in decks that wish to maintain board presence while threatening any opponent’s life total. It thrives in a meta with less emphasis on board wipes, where it can attack and defend effectively.
How to beat
The Sabretooth Tiger enters the landscape of creatures in Magic: The Gathering with an ability that may seem daunting at first—its famed “pumpable” attack boost. Unlike passive creatures that wait to be kitted out with equipment or enchantments, the Sabretooth Tiger can, at a moment’s notice, beef up its power to catch an opponent off guard. This characteristic can turn it into a formidable offensive surprise during combat.
Yet, overcoming this feline is not as daunting as one might think. Direct removal spells can efficiently address the threat before it builds up steam. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can exorcise it from the battlefield without giving it a chance to flex its muscles. Another strategy lies in the use of creatures with high toughness which can withstand an amped-up attack and remain standing. Aggressive blocking can force a Sabretooth Tiger to use its abilities defensively, depleting your opponent’s mana and disrupting their game plan. In games of attrition, card advantage spells that replenish your hand ensure you have a stream of answers or threats to deploy, keeping the predator in check.
In essence, maintaining a balanced approach of disruption and defense can effectively counter the primal power of the Sabretooth Tiger and secure your control over the game’s pace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sabretooth Tiger MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Sabretooth Tiger 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 Sabretooth Tiger Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 215 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 264 | 1997 | Normal | White | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 203 | 1997 | Normal | White | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 215★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Monte Michael Moore | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 215 | 1997 | Normal | White | Monte Michael Moore | |
| 6 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 217 | 2003 | Normal | White | Monte Michael Moore | |
| 7 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 217★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Monte Michael Moore |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sabretooth Tiger 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 |