Saw in Half MTG Card
Text of card
Destroy target creature. If that creature dies this way, its controller creates two tokens that are copies of that creature, except their base power is half that creature's power and their base toughness is half that creature's toughness. Round up each time.
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Cards like Saw in Half
Saw in Half is an intriguing spell in the vast landscape of Magic: The Gathering, sharing similarities in functionality with other clone effects. Much like the card Stolen Identity, which also creates a copy of a creature, Saw in Half has its own unique spin on duplication. Whereas Stolen Identity has the cipher mechanic, allowing it to be cast again whenever the encoded creature deals combat damage, Saw in Half does not. However, Saw in Half has the advantage of being able to immediately clone the casualty of its magic, which adds a nuanced layer of tactical flexibility.
Clone, a classic from the early days of MTG, also deserves a mention. This creature comes into play as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, but unlike Saw in Half, it doesn’t have the entwined aspect of potential card advantage through creature death. Mimic Vat, another replication effect, temporarily copies a creature that died, but instead of a one-time effect, it allows for an ongoing threat throughout the game. What sets Saw in Half apart is its blend of instant-speed interactivity and strategic creature cloning, positioning it as a fascinating choice for players who value immediate board presence.
In evaluating these likenesses and distinctions, Saw in Half offers a unique balance of utility and surprise within MTG’s arsenal of creature copying tactics. Its immediate impact and cloning capability make it a notable option for players seeking to capitalize on the demise of their own creatures.
Cards similar to Saw in Half by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Saw in Half. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Scam | Legacy | Rakdos Scam | Legacy League 2023-12-15 |
 | Nic Fit | Legacy | Nic Fit | Legacy League 2023-11-18 |
| Mono-Black Aggro | Legacy | Mono-Black Scam | 2023 NA Legacy Champs |
| Mono-Black Scam | Legacy | Mono-Black Scam | Legacy League 2024-01-24 |
| Orzhov Scam | Legacy | Orzhov Scam | Legacy Challenge 64 2024-01-07 |
 | Rescaminator | Legacy | Rescaminator | Legacy League 2023-12-25 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Saw in Half enables a player to draw a card as the creature token it creates enters the battlefield. It can potentially provide two draws if the original creature has a ‘when dies’ effect that includes drawing a card.
Resource Acceleration: This card serves as a bridge towards bigger plays. By splitting a creature into two, it can potentially double triggers of ‘enter the battlefield’ effects, potentially ramping up your resources when paired with the right deck mechanics.
Instant Speed: Its swift casting nature means you can make strategic moves during your opponent’s turn. Saw in Half’s instant speed allows for flexibility, surprising opponents by creating blockers or triggering effects at the last moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As part of the activation for Saw in Half, you must discard another card, which can be costly when your hand is already depleted. This could potentially put you at a card disadvantage, affecting your ability to maintain momentum in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s demand for both generic and blue mana can sometimes be restrictive. Players running multicolored decks have to ensure they have the right mana available at the right time, which isn’t always a guarantee.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Saw in Half might not always be your go-to choice due to its mana cost. When you take into account the total resources spent, including the discarded card, there are alternative spells in MTG that could achieve similar or better effects with less investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Saw in Half thrives in decks that manipulate creature copies or benefit from having creatures enter or leave the battlefield. Its ability to create a copy upon the creature’s death makes it a robust inclusion for any strategy leveraging these dynamics.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key piece in intricate combos, particularly in decks that utilize death triggers or ETB (Enter The Battlefield) effects. Pairing Saw in Half with creatures that have on-death abilities can lead to powerful and potentially game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Saw in Half offers a means to capitalize on the high-traffic battlefield. Doubling your creatures as they’re destroyed not only maintains your board presence but can also outpace opponents in creature-heavy matchups.
How to beat
The Saw in Half card introduces a unique dimension to creature control within the game of Magic: The Gathering. As a player facing this card, it’s critical to prepare for its potential impact on the board. It essentially takes one of your creatures out of play, creating two smaller tokens in its place. It’s a playful twist on board presence with a disruptive undercurrent.
To effectively counteract Saw in Half’s influence, one must consider utilising spells that can negate the activation of such an enchantment. Counterspells or instant-speed removal can thwart this card before it ever takes effect. Additionally, cards with hexproof or shroud provide a cloak of protection, ensuring your creatures remain intact, unfazed by any sword-wielding illusions.
Moreover, being aware of the timing of Saw in Half’s activation is key. Since it is at sorcery speed, cultivating a strategy that emphasizes instant reactions can be quite fruitful. In the grand scheme, although Saw in Half may initially seem daunting, its impact can be substantially mitigated with thoughtful planning and the right array of spells in your deck arsenal.
BurnMana Recommendations
Exploring the strategic depth of Magic the Gathering can be both thrilling and complex, and Saw in Half is a testament to that intricacy. With its ability to manipulate the battlefield and potentially amplify card draws, it has a unique position in blue-centered decks. However, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks this card presents. For those intrigued by Saw in Half’s duplicity and its place in creature-oriented strategies, delving deeper can transform it from a simple card to a game-changing tactic. Discover more insights and strategies for Saw in Half and refine your gameplay by joining us to learn more as you navigate the evolving MTG landscape.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Saw in Half MTG card by a specific set like Unfinity and Unfinity, 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 Saw in Half 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 Saw in Half Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Sebastian Giacobino.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Saw in Half has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Saw in Half card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-10-07 | Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied creature will trigger when the tokens enter the battlefield. Any “as -his creature] enters the battlefield” or “ -his creature] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the chosen creature will also work. |
| 2022-10-07 | Except for power and toughness, the token copies exactly what was printed on the original creature and nothing else (unless that creature was copying something else or it’s a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that creature was tapped or untapped, whether it had any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, and so on. |
| 2022-10-07 | If the chosen creature was a token, the new tokens copy the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created the token, plus the listed exceptions. |
| 2022-10-07 | If the copied creature had in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
| 2022-10-07 | If the copied creature was copying something else, then the tokens enter the battlefield as whatever that creature copied, with the exceptions noted above. |
| 2022-10-07 | If the creature isn’t destroyed (perhaps because it has indestructible), its controller doesn’t create any tokens. The same is true if the creature is destroyed but instead of going to its owner’s graveyard, a replacement effect moves it elsewhere, such as exile. |
| 2022-10-07 | If the original creature had a characteristic-defining ability that determined its power and/or toughness, that ability is not copied. |
| 2022-10-07 | Use the power and toughness of the creature from when it was last on the battlefield to determine the power and toughness of the tokens. |