Sickening Shoal MTG Card

Enables card advantage and resource-saving with its alternative free casting option. Instant speed use heightens flexibility, interrupting opponents effectively. Demands careful deck construction due to its specific mana and discard costs.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant — Arcane
Released	2005-02-04
Set symbol
Set name	Betrayers of Kamigawa
Set code	BOK
Number	82
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dan Scott

Text of card

You may remove a black card with converted mana cost X in your hand from the game rather than pay Sickening Shoal's mana cost. Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn.

Cards like Sickening Shoal

Sickening Shoal has carved out its own niche in the world of Magic: The Gathering as part of the Shoal cycle, offering a unique way to control the battlefield by casting it for its alternative cost. Its closest relative is Snuff Out, which similarly allows players to remove a creature without spending mana if conditions are met. Unlike Sickening Shoal which requires exiling a black card with a specific mana value, Snuff Out asks players to pay 4 life instead when casting it without mana.

Then there’s Dismember, another staple in the arsenal of removal spells. Dismember offers flexibility in payment, either costing three-life increments or using mana, though it can’t match the “free” aspect of Sickening Shoal when the right card is exiled. Comparing these alternatives highlights Sickening Shoal’s potential to surprise opponents and alter the game’s momentum with no mana spent, a tactic taut with strategic possibilities.

Analyzing the effectiveness and versatility of free-to-cast spells, Sickening Shoal stands out. In a game where the speed of response and efficient resource management often dictate victory, this card can offer a significant advantage. It underscores the importance of choosing the right removal tool for a player’s deck in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Sickening Shoal by color, type and mana cost

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sickening Shoal. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Dredge	Vintage	Dredge	Vintage Preliminary 2024-01-19
	Mono-Black Coffers	Modern	Mono-Black Coffers	Modern League 2023-12-06

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sickening Shoal allows for the efficient use of cards in hand, particularly when you’re disposing of an unwanted or redundant card to remove a key threat your opponent controls.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, this card can be a form of pseudo-acceleration. By removing an opponent’s creature without expending mana, you effectively save resources for your own development or disruption during the same turn cycle.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Sickening Shoal at instant speed gives you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn. This can be pivotal in maintaining board control or protecting your life total from sudden attacks.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sickening Shoal necessitates discarding another black card from your hand as part of its alternative casting cost, potentially depleting your hand of valuable resources.

Specific Mana Cost: When not using the alternative casting option, Sickening Shoal requires both black mana and a substantial generic mana commitment, making it less flexible for decks that aren’t heavily black.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a normal casting cost that scales with the converted mana cost of the discarded card, Sickening Shoal’s value can be overshadowed by other removal options that are more cost-effective.

Reasons to Include Sickening Shoal in Your Collection

Versatility: Sickening Shoal offers flexible removal options with its unique ability to be cast for free using the pitch mechanic. This makes it a valuable tool for various deck types needing swift and surprise interaction.

Combo Potential: As a card that can be played without spending mana, Sickening Shoal synergizes well with strategies looking to maximize on spellcasting without depleting resources or can unexpectedly disrupt an opponent’s combo.

Meta-Relevance: In a game-state where quick answers to threats are crucial, Sickening Shoal holds its ground. Its relevance fluctuates with the meta, but it can be a game-changer when facing decks that rely heavily on creature-based strategies.

How to beat

Sickening Shoal is known for its versatility and surprise factor in MTG, offering players a way to disrupt their opponent’s plans without spending mana by using the alternate cost of exiling a black card from their hand. While this can be a powerful defense, one strategy to overcome it is by utilizing cards that can’t be targeted by spells or abilities. These often come with “hexproof” or “protection from black,” which make them immune to Sickening Shoal’s effect, ensuring your key creatures remain on the battlefield.

Another effective tactic is baiting out the Shoal early on. By playing less critical spells first, you might coax your opponent into using Sickening Shoal prematurely, saving your more important cards for later when the coast is clear. Moreover, employing instant speed spells that grant indestructibility or boost toughness can also neutralize the impact of Sickening Shoal, preserving your creatures from an untimely demise and tipping the scales in your favor.

Finally, since Sickening Shoal hinges on black cards being available to exile, applying hand disruption tools can significantly weaken its potential. By forcing your opponent to discard, you can deplete the resources necessary to utilize Sickening Shoal effectively, which could safeguard your creatures and secure your path to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sickening Shoal MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Sickening Shoal and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sickening Shoal has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal