Sawblade Scamp MTG Card


Advantage through covert card draw and targeted combat interactions. Strategic play over instant speed with impactful combat phases. Requires careful resource management due to discard mechanics.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Beast
Abilities Haste
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Haste Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put an oil counter on Sawblade Scamp. , Remove an oil counter from Sawblade Scamp: It deals 1 damage to each opponent.

Sometimes the Great Work requires destruction to allow for more efficient reconstruction.


Cards like Sawblade Scamp

Sawblade Scamp may be a newcomer to Magic: The Gathering, but its attributes are worth comparison to established creatures. Like Goblin Arsonist, Sawblade Scamp offers players a low-cost creature with an impactful Death Trigger ability. However, Goblin Arsonist deals damage only to a target creature or player, while Sawblade Scamp provides a flexibility in targeting, capable of damaging any target.

Looking at another comparable card, Mogg Fanatic, we see a similarity in the sacrifice function to deal damage. While Mogg Fanatic can be sacrificed at no cost, Sawblade Scamp requires one mana to trigger its ability. Despite this, the Scamp can be more damaging due to its potential to deal increased damage with the right setup in a dedicated deck that buffs its power.

When analyzing Sawblade Scamp alongside its peers, it demonstrates a unique blend of low cost, potential for increased damage, and versatile targeting. These characteristics make Sawblade Scamp an appealing choice for players who value strategic sacrifice and damage-dealing abilities in their MTG decks.

Goblin Arsonist - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Goblin Arsonist - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sawblade Scamp by color, type and mana cost

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Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Goblin Digging Team - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Goblin Artisans - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Kird Ape - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Enslaved Dwarf - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sawblade Scamp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BurnBurn PauperBurnPauper League 2023-11-01
Rakdos AggroRakdos Aggro StandardRakdos AggroTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 22, 2024
Mono-Red BurnMono-Red Burn PioneerMono-Red BurnSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Mono-Red SynthesizerMono-Red Synthesizer PauperMono-Red SynthesizerPauper League 2024-01-04

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sawblade Scamp can be immensely beneficial for decks that leverage resource depletion strategies. With the ability to create card advantage by certain conditional draws or interactions, it may provide incremental value over the course of a game.

Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly offering resource acceleration, Sawblade Scamp works well in synergistic setups that exploit small creatures or those that benefit from combat-related triggers, potentially speeding up your board-state development through niche deck mechanics.

Instant Speed: As Sawblade Scamp operates at sorcery speed, the focus shifts to strategic planning and foresight during your turn. Its effectiveness is not rooted in instant-speed flexibility but rather its potential interactions and impact during the combat phase, requiring astute foresight and pairing with cards that unlock its full potential.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In order to harness Sawblade Scamp’s potential, you are obliged to discard another card. This trade-off can reduce your hand, leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Sawblade Scamp demands a precise combination of mana colors for its activation. This necessity can be restrictive, tying the card’s utility to decks that can reliably produce the required mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Sawblade Scamp brings certain benefits to the table, its mana cost might be deemed high considering what the card offers. When building a deck, players may find that other options provide a better value for the same, or even a lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include Sawblade Scamp in Your Collection

Versatility: Sawblade Scamp is a card that easily slips into numerous deck types. Its low mana cost makes it a swift addition to the battlefield in the early game, complementing aggressive strategies that aim to reduce the opponent’s life total quickly.

Combo Potential: As a creature with the potential for cost-effective damage dealing, Sawblade Scamp synergizes with effects that increase its power or provide bonuses upon dealing combat damage to a player, expanding its tactical utility in creative combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: With a gameplay environment that often rewards early threats, Sawblade Scamp can be a valuable asset. Facing opponents who are setting up their board and defenses, this card can break through and apply pressure, ensuring you stay ahead in the game’s critical initial stages.


How to beat

Sawblade Scamp may seem like a minor threat in MTG, but its poison ability can be quite lethal if left unchecked. With the right strategy, overcoming this pesky creature becomes easier. Priority should be given to removal spells that can deal with the Scamp before it starts chipping away at your life total. Consider spells that cost less than its three mana value to eliminate it efficiently and prevent losing any precious advantage. Board control is essential; using cheap sweepers can maintain a clear field.

If possible, try to block the Scamp with creatures that can survive its attack. This will help you save your removal spells for more significant threats. Additionally, keep an eye on the stack, using instant speed interaction to respond to any combat tricks or buffs your opponent might use to protect their Scamp. Lastly, gaining incremental life can help counteract the poison counters the Scamp may have inflicted, ensuring your longevity in the match.

Considering all these factors, effective countering of Sawblade Scamp lies in a blend of proactive removal, smart blocking, and strategic life gain. Anticipate its appearance on the battlefield and prepare your deck accordingly to secure victory against this poisonous adversary in MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the MTG world where each card like Sawblade Scamp can be a game changer in your deck. Understanding its pros and cons, from strategic card advantage to the restrictions of its discard requirement, is just the beginning. Remember, shifting your play for maximum effectiveness is key. Whether you see potential in Sawblade Scamp’s aggressive early play or its synergy in combo setups, your journey in deck optimization is vital. Embrace the challenges of MTG deck building, explore new strategies, and continuously refine your collection. Curious about further tactics and insights on cards like Sawblade Scamp? Sharpen your skills and connect with us to stay ahead in the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sawblade Scamp MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Sawblade Scamp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sawblade Scamp Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 1472015NormalBlackHelge C. Balzer
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2922015NormalBlackFlavio Girón
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4472015NormalBlackFlavio Girón

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sawblade Scamp has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal