Saberclaw Golem MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Golem
Released	2010-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Scars of Mirrodin
Set code	SOM
Power	4
Toughness	2
Number	200
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Mike Bierek

Key Takeaways

Saberclaw Golem creates card advantage through its potent deck synergies and strategic value play.
Managing its precise mana requirements is essential for utilizing this artifact creature effectively.
Its versatility and synergy with artifact-focused decks make it a strong choice for inclusion.

Text of card

: Saberclaw Golem gains first strike until end of turn.

The warriors of the Blade Tribe charged the golem, twenty strong. They returned numbering ten . . . and a half.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Saberclaw Golem’s versatile interactions can often result in card advantage. By aligning it with specific synergies within your deck, you can outpace your opponent by generating greater value from each card played.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s cost-effectiveness complements strategies aiming for resource acceleration. As a reasonably priced artifact creature, it can rapidly populate the battlefield, paving the way for a formidable board presence early in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Saberclaw Golem itself does not operate at instant speed, including it in a deck with instant speed interaction can be crucial. It allows for strategic flexibility, enabling you to adapt to the state of play while committing a robust artifact creature to the board at the optimal moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To unlock its full potential, Saberclaw Golem requires you to part with other valuable cards in your hand which could otherwise support your strategy or serve as a defense mechanism.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this artifact creature demands a precise combination of mana types. This includes colorless mana, which might not be readily available in early game stages or in decks that are more focused on a variety of colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The resources you invest in summoning the Saberclaw Golem can be a stumbling block. Considering you’re spending five mana, there are alternative and more versatile creatures or spells that could make a bigger impact on the battlefield sooner.

Reasons to Include Saberclaw Golem in Your Collection

Versatility: Saberclaw Golem’s key trait is its ability to adapt to various deck builds, as it doesn’t require specific mana colors. This makes it an excellent choice for decks that need a reliable creature without compromising the mana base.

Combo Potential: As an artifact creature, Saberclaw Golem meshes well with cards that capitalize on artifact synergies. Its inclusion can strengthen artifact-centric strategies and open up options for inventive combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given its artifact nature and solid stats, the Saberclaw Golem can be a practical pick in a meta that appreciates resilient creatures. Its ability to withstand some common removal spells adds to its value in a fluctuating competitive environment.

How to beat Saberclaw Golem

Saberclaw Golem presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its artifact creature status and affinity for artifact and enchantment cards. To successfully navigate against this golem, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is critical. Unlike creatures with hexproof or shroud, the Saberclaw Golem can be targeted by removal spells. Employing targeted removal like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can efficiently handle this metal creature before it becomes a substantial threat.

Artifact hate is another effective strategy against Saberclaw Golem. Cards such as Shatter or Naturalize specifically target artifact permanents and can disrupt your opponent’s game plan. Combat tricks also work well; using instant-speed spells that boost your creature’s power or provide deathtouch can turn the tide of battle. Further, the golem is not known for its speed, so taking advantage of this with quicker, aggro strategies can put your opponent on the defensive, making it harder for them to leverage the golem’s potential.

Overall, it calls for a balance of removal, artifact disruption, and swift aggression. With these tactics, you’ll find Saberclaw Golem manageable, preserving your standing in the game while carefully dismantling your opponent’s strategy.

Cards like Saberclaw Golem

Saberclaw Golem is a unique artifact creature card that offers Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts a reliable option for colorless decks. When examining cards with similar roles, we find Myr Enforcer, which also serves as a substantial artifact creature. Like Saberclaw, Myr Enforcer’s potential is enhanced in a deck rich with other artifacts, reducing its casting cost significantly. However, unlike Saberclaw Golem which requires mana payment to become unblockable, Myr Enforcer lacks this ability.

Further examination introduces us to Snare Thopter. While Snare Thopter requires an equal amount of mana for casting like the base cost of Saberclaw Golem, it inherently has flying and haste, allowing for immediate impact on the game. Though Saberclaw, with its unblockability, may be better suited to evade blockades, it operates on a slower curve compared to Snare Thopter’s swift offensive abilities.

In the diverse world of artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering, each card contributes distinct advantages. Saberclaw Golem stands out with its unblockable attribute but isn’t unmatched. Comparing various traits of these artifact creatures helps players discern which is best suited for their deck’s strategy and play style.

Cards similar to Saberclaw Golem by color, type and mana cost

Birgi, God of Storytelling // Harnfel, Horn of Bounty - MTG Card versions

Pyromancer's Goggles - MTG Card versions

Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist - MTG Card versions

Hexplate Wallbreaker - MTG Card versions

The Motherlode, Excavator - MTG Card versions

Birgi, God of Storytelling // Harnfel, Horn of Bounty - Kaldheim Promos (PKHM)

Pyromancer's Goggles - Commander 2021 (C21)

Arcbound Slasher - Jumpstart: Historic Horizons (J21)

Knight Rampager - Warhammer 40,000 Commander (40K)

Mishra's Juggernaut - The Brothers' War (BRO)

Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist - Transformers (BOT)

Dragonwing Glider - Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos (PONE)

Hexplate Wallbreaker - Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander (ONC)

Ramosian Greatsword - March of the Machine (MOM)

Magmatic Galleon - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Promos (PLCI)

Goldfury Strider - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan (LCI)

The Motherlode, Excavator - Fallout (PIP)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Saberclaw Golem MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin, 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 Saberclaw Golem and other MTG cards: