Shrewd Hatchling MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 112
2012-09-07 - Number 8
2015-05-22 - Number 198
2019-11-07 - Number 1533
2020-09-26 - Number MM2-198
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Shrewd Hatchling comes into play with four -1/-1 counters on it. {UR}: Target creature can't block Shrewd Hatchling this turn. Whenever you play a blue spell, remove a -1/-1 counter from Shrewd Hatchling. Whenever you play a red spell, remove a -1/-1 counter from Shrewd Hatchling.
Cards like Shrewd Hatchling
Shrewd Hatchling is a card that brings interesting interactions to the table in Magic: The Gathering. When drawing parallels with other cards, we can look at Rage Nimbus which is also a creature with a variable power mechanic. However, unlike Shrewd Hatchling, which can grow more powerful each time you cast a red or blue spell, Rage Nimbus doesn’t increase in power but does have the unique ability to force opponent creatures into combat.
Another card to consider in relation to Shrewd Hatchling is Nivmagus Elemental. Both creatures thrive on spell casting, but Nivmagus Elemental has an ability that lets you exile a spell you control to place two +1/+1 counters on it, leading to potentially quicker growth. This, however, comes at the cost of the exiled spell’s effects.
In reflection, Shrewd Hatchling holds its ground with its own unique potential for growth and control, aligning well among creatures that interact with spells being cast. Its growing threat on the board, alongside the ability to weaken opponents’ creatures, certainly gives it a strategic edge in the MTG arena.
Cards similar to Shrewd Hatchling by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shrewd Hatchling comes equipped with the potential to become an overwhelming board presence. When used effectively, its ability to grow by removing -1/-1 counters not only when you cast a blue or red spell but also whenever it becomes the target of any spell, can turn it into a formidable creature. This offers a strategic edge, keeping your opponent’s resources stretched thin as they attempt to handle an increasingly dangerous threat.
Resource Acceleration: Although Shrewd Hatchling itself does not directly accelerate resources, its low initial casting cost affords you the flexibility to utilize mana for other pivotal plays in the early game. As the Hatchling evolves, it does so without additional mana investment, freeing your resources to control the game’s tempo or establish a defensive setup while your creature grows.
Instant Speed: Shrewd Hatchling can benefit from spells cast at instant speed. Instant speed interaction is key to MTG strategy, ensuring that you can react to opponents’ moves during their turn and surprise them with an ever-growing threat. Casting spells at instant speed to remove -1/-1 counters from the Hatchling allows you to strengthen your creature and often dissuade attackers, bolstering your defensive position while conserving your crucial plays for the right moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shrewd Hatchling requires you to strategize your hand carefully, considering it gets stronger by casting blue or red spells. It might compel you to discard cards you would rather retain to unlock its full potential, a limitation if your hand is already running thin.
Specific Mana Cost: This card calls for a particular blend of mana—both blue and red—to play it on the battlefield. This requirement can be restrictive because it doesn’t easily slot into a variety of decks unless they specifically cater to a blue-red strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana value of four and the need to play additional spells to remove -1/-1 counters and power it up, Shrewd Hatchling can be less mana-efficient compared to other creatures that provide immediate impact or have built-in growth potential without additional spell casting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The adaptability of Shrewd Hatchling makes it a solid choice for any collection. It can thrive in decks that are focused on manipulating +1/+1 counters or those that play with multicolor spell synergies.
Combo Potential: With the ability to grow stronger whenever you play a blue or red spell, Shrewd Hatchling works seamlessly within combos that aim to cast numerous spells in a single turn, empowering the hatchling to become a formidable threat quickly.
Meta-Relevance: Given that many players in the current meta enjoy utilizing creature-based tactics, Shrewd Hatchling’s built-in mechanism to reduce damage from red spells or gain evasion with blue ones can prove quite impactful on the battlefield.
How to beat Shrewd Hatchling
Shrewd Hatchling is a unique creature in MTG, blending both aggression and gradual power growth. Initially, its strength lies in its Bloodthirst ability, which allows it to come into play with additional counters if an opponent was dealt damage this turn. The counters can then be removed as it grows more formidable with every blue or red spell cast. As such, playing against it requires a strategic approach.
To effectively counter Shrewd Hatchling, it’s important to restrict its growth. This means avoiding damage before it enters the battlefield to limit its Bloodthirst advantage. Direct removal spells are particularly effective; spells like Path to Exile or Doom Blade can handle the creature before its power becomes a threat. Enchantment-based removal like Pacifism or Journey to Nowhere can also neutralize the hatchling without having to trigger its ability, as they do not involve casting a red or blue spell.
Understanding the hatchling’s mechanics is key—prevent it from growing and remove it swiftly with the right spells. By managing these two aspects, you can ensure that Shrewd Hatchling never reaches its full potential on the battlefield and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shrewd Hatchling MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari, 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 Shrewd Hatchling 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 Shrewd Hatchling Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Carl Frank.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 112 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Frank | |
| 2 | 2012-09-07 | Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari | DDJ | 8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Frank | |
| 3 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 198 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Frank | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1533 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Frank | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | MM2-198 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Frank |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shrewd Hatchling has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shrewd Hatchling card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | If there are no -1/-1 counters on it when the triggered ability resolves, the ability does nothing. There is no penalty for not being able to remove a counter. |
| 2008-08-01 | If you cast a spell that’s both of the listed colors, both abilities will trigger. You’ll remove a total of two -1/-1 counters from the Hatchling. |