Savai Sabertooth MTG Card

The card can efficiently cycle, offering card advantage and improving strategic depth in matches. Instant speed ability of Savai Sabertooth provides gameplay flexibility and better mana usage. Savai Sabertooth’s adaptability makes it a resilient and valuable asset in diverse MTG strategies.
Savai Sabertooth - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Cat
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Power 3
Toughness 1
Number29
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byIlse Gort

Cards like Savai Sabertooth

Savai Sabertooth enters the rich tapestry of creature cards in MTG with a unique twist on combat. Within its family of feline creatures, Lorwyn’s Nacatl Savage stands as a comparable counterpart; both cards present a robust presence in early game skirmishes. The distinct edge Savai Sabertooth holds is its powerful synergy within a cycling-deck structure, providing both a creature to hold the line and an enabler for cycling mechanics.

Comparing it further, we see a kinship with Ravnica’s Wojek Halberdiers. Although predominantly a combat-oriented card, Wojek Halberdiers lack the adaptability and broader deck compatibilities that the versatility of Savai Sabertooth offers through its unique cycling abilities. In the realm of utility creatures, the benefits of the Sabertooth’s dynamic playstyle become readily apparent, allowing for both direct engagement and strategic depth in deck construction.

As a result, Savai Sabertooth asserts its place within MTG creature strategies, championing a dichotomy of raw power and cunning flexibility, making it a tantalizing choice for players who value a balance between aggression and tactical acumen on the battlefield.

Nacatl Savage - MTG Card versions
Wojek Halberdiers - MTG Card versions
Nacatl Savage - MTG Card versions
Wojek Halberdiers - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Savai Sabertooth provides a consistent threat on the battlefield. Its ability to cycle cards from your hand can help dig for key components in your strategy, effectively improving your chances of maintaining an advantage over your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This card can be a subtle form of resource acceleration. By granting access to an extra creature, it enables you to make more efficient use of your mana each turn. Moreover, if paired with cards that have beneficial enter-the-battlefield effects, it can maximize the utility derived from each creature played.

Instant Speed: The Savai Sabertooth’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, providing flexibility in your play. This allows you to react to your opponent’s actions by saving a creature from removal, or by simply using the card’s cycling effect strategically during your opponent’s end step to set up a favorable next turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Savai Sabertooth demands that you discard a card to activate its key ability. This requirement can be a setback, particularly when your hand is already depleted and every card counts towards achieving your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: With a cost that includes red mana, the card’s flexibility is somewhat diminished. Players running multicolored decks or those not aligned with red mana may find it difficult to integrate Savai Sabertooth seamlessly into their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a notable investment of mana, the card could potentially slow down your tempo especially in the early stages of the game. Other creatures or spells within the same mana range may provide greater value or impact on the board, suggesting a careful consideration of its role in your deck is warranted.

Reasons to Include Savai Sabertooth in Your Collection

Versatility: Savai Sabertooth offers a multifaceted toolkit for any deck looking to leverage creature-based strategies. Its ability to gain indestructible provides resilience against board wipes and removal, making it a solid inclusion in various MTG builds.

Combo Potential: Paired with cards that have beneficial enter-the-battlefield effects or those that trigger when creatures die, Savai Sabertooth can become a lynchpin in a powerful combo engine. It becomes especially potent when you can repeatedly activate its ability for ongoing value.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where the board state can change rapidly, having a card that adapts to aggressive or defensive postures is invaluable. Savai Sabertooth holds its ground in the current environment, where versatility and resilience are key to outlasting opponents.

How to beat

The Savai Sabertooth presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield, having abilities that could swing the game in favor of your opponent. As a card renowned for its potential to protect other creatures through its indestructible granting ability, overcoming this feline force can be critical for your victory. It is key to act swiftly, making the most of spells that can’t be countered or using removal effects that don’t destroy but rather exile or place cards into the player’s library.

For instance, employing cards with exile effects such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can effectively neutralize the threat of Savai Sabertooth. Another strategy is to take advantage of board wipes like Merciless Eviction, which can exile creatures regardless of any indestructible status they might have. Timing is essential; these actions are best executed when your opponent is low on mana and less likely to activate Savai Sabertooth’s abilities. This ensures your strategies against it remain unhampered and effective.

Ultimately, strategically managing your removal resources and understanding the opportune moment to act are crucial in claiming victory over a player who relies on the resilience of Savai Sabertooth.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Savai Sabertooth MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Savai Sabertooth and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Savai Sabertooth has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal