Scrabbling Claws MTG Card
2003-10-02 - Number 237
2004-09-01 - Number gn237sb
2004-09-01 - Number jn237sb
2018-08-09 - Number 218
2019-01-25 - Number 238
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
: Target player removes a card in his or her graveyard from the game. , Sacrifice Scrabbling Claws: Remove target card in a graveyard from the game. Draw a card.
Cards like Scrabbling Claws
Scrabbling Claws takes its place in the array of artifacts designed for targeted graveyard interaction in Magic: The Gathering. It stands out with its ability to nibble away at an opponent’s graveyard, offering a cycle of disruption and card draw. Its nearest comparison is Relic of Progenitus, an artifact that also provides graveyard management, but unlike Scrabbling Claws, it can be used to purge all graveyards simultaneously, at the cost of sacrificing itself.
Tormod’s Crypt is another parallel, a free artifact with a one-time effect purging a single graveyard without the draw. While it lacks the incremental use that Scrabbling Claws provides, the crypt has the benefit of purging more aggressively. Nihil Spellbomb should also be mentioned, as it shares the exile and draw components, however, its draw aspect requires a splash of black mana to activate.
Examining these similar offerings, Scrabbling Claws holds a unique position with its low-cost, recurring graveyard management capability. For players seeking pinpoint disruption coupled with potential card advantage, it’s a strategic inclusion within Magic: The Gathering deck builds that focus on managing both the board and the graveyard.
Cards similar to Scrabbling Claws by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Scrabbling Claws. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Midrange | Pioneer | Gruul Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-16 |
 | RG | Modern | Modern League 2024-05-15 | |
 | The Rock | Modern | The Rock | Modern Super Qualifier 2024-05-19 |
 | BR | Pioneer | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-19 | |
 | B | Pioneer | Pioneer League 2024-05-18 | |
 | Golgari Midrange | Pioneer | Golgari Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-13 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scrabbling Claws provides the potential for card selection and minor card advantage. It selectively exiles cards from graveyards, which can lead to weakening an opponent’s strategy while providing the opportunity to cycle through your deck for more opportunistic plays
Resource Acceleration: By sacrificing Scrabbling Claws, it offers a slight boost in resources, allowing you to draw a card. This, in turn, can accelerate your gameplay by giving you more options sooner and keeping the pressure on your adversary.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Scrabbling Claws at instant speed gives a significant tactical advantage. You can disrupt your opponent’s plans at crucial moments or in response to graveyard-based triggers, making it an unassuming yet powerful tool in any player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Scrabbling Claws requires players to sacrifice the artifact to trigger its card exiling effect. This can be a notable downside if you’re aiming to maintain board presence or looking to maximize long-term value from your permanents.
Specific Mana Cost: While costing a single generic mana to cast might seem minimal, the activation cost to exile a card from a graveyard and potentially draw a card depends on having an additional colorless mana. This requirement may clash with your need to use mana elsewhere in multi-colored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its initial low casting cost, to fully utilize Scrabbling Claws’ second ability, you effectively invest two mana over two turns. When evaluating this investment, players might find that in the context of efficient graveyard interaction or card draw, there are other cards that could serve these purposes at a lower net cost or with greater immediate impact.
Reasons to Include Scrabbling Claws in Your Collection
Versatility: Scrabbling Claws offers a simple, yet effective way to disrupt graveyard strategies, an ever-present component in many MTG formats. Its ability to target specific cards makes it a valuable tool against a variety of decks.
Combo Potential: Not only does this artifact allow you to regulate opponents’ graveyards, but it can also serve as fuel for strategies focusing on artifact synergies or those that capitalize on drawing cards for further combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: Given that players often utilize their graveyards as extensions of their hands, Scrabbling Claws becomes a cost-effective sideboard choice to combat those tactics. This relevance increases particularly in metas where graveyard-based decks are prominent.
How to beat
The Scrabbling Claws card offers a unique mechanism for managing graveyard strategies within the game of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to target cards in graveyards for exile can disrupt the tactics of decks that thrive on graveyard manipulation. To gain the upper hand against Scrabbling Claws, it’s crucial to minimize reliance on the graveyard or employ cards that can protect your graveyard from targeted removal.
One effective strategy is to incorporate instant-speed responses that can salvage key cards from your graveyard before Scrabbling Claws’ ability resolves. Spells like Noxious Revival or cards with Flashback allow you to utilize your graveyard as a resource without fear of permanent loss. Additionally, leveraging enchantments like Leyline of Sanctity can provide a preemptive safeguard, making your graveyard an invalid target for your opponent’s Scrabbling Claws.
Ultimately, the key to outmaneuvering Scrabbling Claws lies in adapting your playstyle and deck composition. Implementing cards that offer alternative advantages not tied to the graveyard, or those that can counteract or bypass Scrabbling Claws’ ability, can ensure your strategy remains uninterrupted while rendering your opponent’s Scrabbling Claws far less effective.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scrabbling Claws MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and World Championship Decks 2004, 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 Scrabbling Claws and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Scrabbling Claws Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2019-01-25. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 237 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 2 | 2004-09-01 | World Championship Decks 2004 | WC04 | gn237sb | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 3 | 2004-09-01 | World Championship Decks 2004 | WC04 | jn237sb | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 4 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 218 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 5 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 238 | 2015 | Normal | Black | James Paick |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scrabbling Claws has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |