Serrated Biskelion MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Construct |
| Released | 1997-06-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Weatherlight |
| Set code | WTH |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 156 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Text of card
oc T: Put a -1/-1 counter on Serrated Biskelion and a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
"Whereas I was created to protect, the biskelion was created to destroy." —Karn, silver golem
Cards like Serrated Biskelion
Serrated Biskelion introduces an intriguing dynamic to creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to put two -1/-1 counters on a creature when it deals combat damage has a resemblance to that of the Triskelion, a classic artifact creature known for its versatility in dealing damage. However, Serrated Biskelion stands alone with the direct counter placement, while Triskelion removes its own counters to deal damage to any target.
Comparatively, Walking Ballista shares a bond in the counter-manipulating league. It also enters the battlefield with counters and can remove them to pick off targets but does so at a different pace and scale thanks to its XX casting cost. The diversity in mana investment means Walking Ballista can scale throughout the game, which Serrated Biskelion cannot do. Another similar card, Arcbound Ravager, sacrifices artifacts to gain counters, potentially becoming massive quickly, though its impact is through increasing its power rather than placing -1/-1 counters like our Serrated Biskelion.
In evaluating these mechanical cousins, Serrated Biskelion can be a strategic piece in decks that capitalize on counter manipulation but does so with a unique flair that sets it apart in the world of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Serrated Biskelion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Serrated Biskelion offers a unique edge by allowing you to potentially remove multiple counters from creatures your opponents control, thus swinging the board state in your favor without losing card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, the ability to efficiently manage counters with Serrated Biskelion can accelerate your game plan by weakening the threats on the other side of the battlefield and maintaining a stable board presence.
Instant Speed: Its activated ability can be utilized at instant speed, enabling strategic plays during your opponent’s turn or in response to actions, keeping the opponent guessing and providing flexibility in your tactics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Serrated Biskelion demands a strategy built around discard synergy, potentially restricting deck building options for some players. Without such synergies, the requirement to discard can put you at a card disadvantage, weakening your hand against opponents.
Specific Mana Cost: Known for its distinct colorless mana cost, Serrated Biskelion may not align smoothly with multicolored mana bases. This can pose a challenge in decks that rely on a tight color curve, limiting its inclusion to specific archetypes or mono-color builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: This card comes at a non-negligible mana investment. When assessing your deck’s curve, consider that there are alternative creatures or removal options available at a lower cost, offering similar or better utility and efficiency in gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Serrated Biskelion offers adaptability as it easily fits into counters and +1/+1 strategies. Its ability to distribute counters can enhance various types of playstyles and synergize with proliferate mechanics.
Combo Potential: This artifact creature is capable of forming powerful combos. Its unique ability to place counters and deal damage provides substantial interaction with cards that capitalize on counters or damage triggers, unlocking new strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Given the versatility of Serrated Biskelion, it can be quite valuable in a meta that’s heavy on small creatures. It serves as a useful tool to control opposing threats by strategically placing and moving counters around.
How to beat
Serrated Biskelion presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This artifact creature, hailing from the world of Magic: The Gathering, offers a persistent threat with its ability to place -1/-1 counters on creatures. One effective way to counter its power is by utilizing instant-speed removal. Thanks to such spells, you can respond to its activation, removing Serrated Biskelion before it has the chance to diminish your creature’s effectiveness or even prevent its ability from resolving altogether.
Another strategy involves employing creatures with hexproof or shroud, thereby rendering Serrated Biskelion’s targeted ability ineffective. Additionally, cards that grant indestructible to your creatures can also preserve your board presence against its withering effect. In matches where Serrated Biskelion is a known threat, including a well-considered mixture of removal, hexproof, shroud, and indestructibility within your deck can keep you one step ahead and ensure your creatures survive the mechanical beast’s devious intent.
Tackling the challenge of Serrated Biskelion requires a balanced approach and strategic planning. Keeping removal at the ready and diversifying your defensive options are key to securing victory against this mechanical menace in the ever-evolving Magic: The Gathering arena.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Serrated Biskelion MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Serrated Biskelion 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Serrated Biskelion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Serrated Biskelion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | If Serrated Biskelion leaves the battlefield before its ability resolves, you’ll still put a -1/-1 counter on the targeted creature. If the target leaves the battlefield or otherwise becomes an illegal target before the ability resolves, the ability doesn’t resolve and you won’t put a -1/-1 counter on Serrated Biskelion. |