Scab-Clan Mauler MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number I31
2005-08-22 - Number I56
2006-02-03 - Number 128
2019-02-15 - Number 99
2024-01-12 - Number 219
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Berserker |
| Abilities | Bloodthirst,Trample |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Bloodthirst 2 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it.) Trample
Cards like Scab-Clan Mauler
The Scab-Clan Mauler carries its weight in aggressive decks within Magic: The Gathering. As a comparison, it bears a resemblance to creatures like Gruul Guildmage. Both cards share a theme of brute force within the Gruul clan, yet the Scab-Clan Mauler has the added benefit of trample and can potentially become a 3/3 as soon as the second turn thanks to its bloodthirst ability, whereas Gruul Guildmage requires additional mana to directly affect the board.
Analogous to the Mauler is the Rip-Clan Crasher, another card that exudes aggressiveness with a hasty entry onto the battlefield. However, the Mauler eclipses it by offering a higher toughness value when bloodthirst is activated, allowing it to survive encounters that the Crasher cannot. Another card worth mentioning is Kird Ape, known for its solid one-mana cost status. Much like the Crasher, it can fall behind the Mauler in terms of potential power and toughness.
When eyeing the Gruul strategy in MTG, the situational power boost provided by Scab-Clan Mauler can indeed make it a formidable force, particularly in early combat scenarios where its bloodthirst mechanic can be reliably triggered.
Cards similar to Scab-Clan Mauler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Scab-Clan Mauler itself may not explicitly draw cards, it incentivizes aggressive play which can lead to outpacing an opponent’s resources. Coupled with card draw mechanics in Gruul decks, this creature can be part of a strategy that overwhelms the opponent with card quantity and quality.
Resource Acceleration: The Scab-Clan Mauler benefits from and contributes to the renowned speed of Gruul decks. By dealing damage early, you can enable its bloodthirst ability, effectively accelerating your board presence without additional mana investment.
Instant Speed: While the Mauler isn’t played at instant speed, it thrives in an environment filled with instant speed interactions. Triggering its bloodthirst from instant speed damage dealt on an opponent’s turn can lead to a sudden and unexpected advantage when the Mauler hits the board stronger than anticipated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Scab-Clan Mauler necessitates that you have a certain combination of cards in your hand to enable its bloodthirst ability. Without meeting this prerequisite, you may end up with a less effective creature for your mana investment.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Scab-Clan Mauler is split between red and green, which may not be as flexible for decks that run multiple colors or those that operate on a more consistent mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given that Scab-Clan Mauler requires two specific types of mana, it can be seen as having a high mana cost for its base stats. In evolving game states where speed is crucial, this can put you at a disadvantage when faster alternatives are available.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Scab-Clan Mauler is a card that performs well in various decks. Its hybrid mana cost makes it a flexible option for multi-color Gruul decks or any aggressive strategy that values quick and resilient threats.
Combo Potential: With its bloodthirst ability, this card can easily become a powerful creature. It synergizes effectively with spells that deal damage to opponents early on, thus enabling it to become a major threat rapidly.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that struggle with early aggression, Scab-Clan Mauler shines. Its quick pressure can help swing games in fast-paced environments, which is crucial for staying ahead in the constantly evolving meta.
How to beat Scab-Clan Mauler
Scab-Clan Mauler remains a formidable force for anyone facing a Gruul aggro deck in MTG. With its efficient mana cost and the ability to become a threatening 3/3 with trample upon meeting its bloodthirst requirement, this creature can be a real nuisance. To tilt the match in your favor, it is essential to prevent combat damage that triggers its bloodthirst. Utilize early creature removals like Shock or Fatal Push to keep it at bay before it gets powered up.
Timing is everything against the Mauler. Since it’s best played in a deck that can quickly deal damage to enable bloodthirst, interrupting your opponent’s attack phase is key. Having blockers ready or using instant-speed removal spells can effectively neutralize it before it grows. Moreover, keep in mind control spells or enchantments that can pacify or tap creatures, thereby neutralizing the Mauler’s capabilities. This can ensure that your adversary’s attempts to gain an early game advantage are thwarted, making your path to victory clearer.
Remember that facing a card like Scab-Clan Mauler is about strategic foresight and maintaining board control. By preventing the bloodthirst activation or efficiently managing the board state, the daunting Mauler turns into a manageable challenge on the path to your MTG triumphs.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scab-Clan Mauler MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Scab-Clan Mauler 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 Scab-Clan Mauler Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Liam Sharp.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | I31 | 2003 | Normal | White | Liam Sharp | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | I56 | 2003 | Normal | White | Liam Sharp | |
| 3 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 128 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Liam Sharp | |
| 4 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 99 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Liam Sharp | |
| 5 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 219 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Liam Sharp |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scab-Clan Mauler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |