Scragnoth MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 253
2006-10-06 - Number 83
2002-06-24 - Number 36054
2003-01-01 - Number 7
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Protection |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Protection from blue While Scragnoth is being cast, it cannot be countered.
It possesses no intelligence, only counter-intelligence.
Cards like Scragnoth
Scragnoth presents a unique aspect within the creature cards of Magic: The Gathering. This green beast stands tall with its ability to not be countered, making it a formidable choice against blue control decks that rely heavily on counter spells. In the realm of uncounterable creatures, Carnage Tyrant is a notable comparison. It shares the same trait but comes with the added benefit of trample and hexproof, albeit at a higher mana cost.
Another card worth mentioning is Thrun, the Last Troll. Like Scragnoth, Thrun also can’t be countered. Furthermore, it possesses regeneration and hexproof, ensuring its persistence on the battlefield. The difference lies in the mana cost and stat distribution that might affect deck-building strategies. Mistcutter Hydra also enters the conversation with its haste and protection from blue. Although its power and toughness are variable based on the mana spent, it provides a similar surprise factor for enemy mages.
While examining the ecosystem of uncounterable green creatures, Scragnoth might not offer some of the protective characteristics of other cards. Still, its accessibility at a lower mana cost makes it an attractive option in certain green deck builds designed to overcome control strategies.
Cards similar to Scragnoth by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scragnoth stands as a bastion against control strategies, with its uncounterable nature ensuring that it lands on the battlefield to impact the game. This permanence secures your board state without the risk of losing card equity to an opponent’s counterspells.
Resource Acceleration: While Scragnoth itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its relatively low mana cost of five for a 3/4 creature with significant abilities means you’re deploying a potent threat without heavy resource commitment. This allows you to allocate mana elsewhere, keeping the pressure on your opponent.
Instant Speed: In a game where timing is everything, Scragnoth’s protection from blue ensures it’s a reliable play against decks heavy in blue magic. Any spells or abilities your opponents attempt to target it with at instant speed ineffectively pass through it, preserving your battlefield presence without the need for countering reactionary plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some creatures that offer an upside upon entering the battlefield, Scragnoth does not provide any additional utility that might come from discarding a card, which means it lacks the potential synergy with graveyard strategies that some players may be seeking.
Specific Mana Cost: Scragnoth’s mana cost includes two green symbols, which requires a commitment to green mana sources in a player’s deck. This can limit the card’s inclusion in multi-color decks that may not support heavy green mana requirements as efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Scragnoth’s impact on the game may not align with its cost when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. As the MTG landscape evolves, players often find other creatures or spells that offer more versatility or power for the same, or even a lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Scragnoth serves as a potent asset in decks that capitalize on its uncounterable nature. It slides into green builds that thrive on creating board presence while bypassing the typical spellslinging barriers employed by control opponents.
Combo Potential: With protection from blue, Scragnoth is an ally in strategies that aim to exploit creature synergies without fear of blue-based interaction. It pairs well with cards that reward you for maintaining a formidable creature-based offense.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where blue control decks are prevalent, Scragnoth becomes a strategic gamepiece. Its natural resilience against counterspells and abilities such as bounce or tap can offer a significant advantage.
How to beat
The Scragnoth boasts an impressive presence on the battlefield, known for its resilience against counter spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its immunity to being countered and protection from spells and abilities controlled by blue create a unique challenge for those facing this formidable creature. The card’s presence forces opponents to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to handle it.
Considering its specific strengths, tactics like relying on combat tricks in other colors or utilizing board wipes that don’t target, such as “Wrath of God,” become essential in overcoming the Scragnoth. Additionally, employing creatures with formidable stats in combat to match or exceed the Scragnoth’s power can turn the tides of battle. This shifts the focus from spell-based strategies to on-the-ground plays, where combat decisions and creature abilities can carve a path to victory over the Scragnoth’s otherwise intimidating presence.
Ultimately, handling the Scragnoth calls for a balanced mix of strategic combat and non-blue spells that work around its protections. Mastering this approach not only negates the Scragnoth’s advantages but can also tip the balance in favor of the cunning strategist, proving that no creature is invincible in the diverse landscape of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scragnoth MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Magic Online Promos, 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 Scragnoth 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 Scragnoth Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2006-10-06. Illustrated by Jeff Laubenstein.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 253 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Laubenstein | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36054 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Laubenstein | ||
| 3 | Friday Night Magic 2003 | F03 | 7 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Laubenstein | ||
| 4 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 83 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Laubenstein |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scragnoth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Scragnoth card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Side-effects of spells that would counter this card will still happen, because they happen even if the spell they’re trying to counter can’t be countered. |
| 2004-10-04 | Spells can target Scragnoth and affect it while it is on the stack. Only effects that counter spells are ignored. |
| 2004-10-04 | Spells with a side effect that only happens if a spell is countered do not have their side effect happen when the countering fails. |