Silumgar Spell-Eater MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Naga Wizard |
| Abilities | Megamorph |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 77 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dave Kendall |
Text of card
Megamorph (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its megamorph cost and put a +1/+1 counter on it.) When Silumgar Spell-Eater is turned face up, counter target spell unless its controller pays .
Cards like Silumgar Spell-Eater
Exploring the realm of counter spells within Magic: The Gathering unveils the Silumgar Spell-Eater as a viable option. Its kinship is seen with classic counter spells such as Counterspell itself for its straightforward approach to negating the opponent’s moves. Yet, the Spell-Eater brings a twist to the battlefield with its manifest ability. This facet allows you to play it face down and then turn it up when the moment is ripe for a counter. It’s a surprise element that Counterspell doesn’t possess.
Closely related in function is Negate, another staple in MTG player arsenals that similarly dismisses noncreature spells. While Silumgar Spell-Eater requires three mana for its morph ability, it can counter any type of spell, providing broader insurance compared to Negate’s more focused application. Dissipate also enters the conversation, offering spell countering with the added caveat of exiling the countered spell, preventing any graveyard retrieval shenanigans. Silumgar Spell-Eater lacks this exile effect but introduces strategic depth with its morph play.
Analyzing these choices helps players determine the right fit for their strategy. With its hidden potential and versatile countering, the Silumgar Spell-Eater lands a unique spot within the card pool and invites thoughtful deck integration.
Cards similar to Silumgar Spell-Eater by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Silumgar Spell-Eater offers players the ability to counter an opponent’s spell unless they pay a certain amount of mana. This mechanic not only disrupts the opponent’s plans but can also leave them at a disadvantage by wasting their resources without progressing their board state.
Resource Acceleration: This creature can manifest itself from the hand facedown as a 2/2 creature, providing a board presence that can later turn into a countering threat. This versatility allows players to accelerate their presence on the board by having a creature that can potentially trade or evolve into a more significant threat later on.
Instant Speed: As a card with morph ability, Silumgar Spell-Eater can be turned face up any time you could cast an instant. This offers the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, providing a strategic advantage and the element of surprise. The ability to counter a spell at a crucial moment can be a game-changer, making the Spell-Eater a potent addition to any deck where timing and control are key.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To unlock the full potential of Silumgar Spell-Eater, you must prepare for its exploit mechanic, which requires sacrificing another creature. This cost can set you back if your board presence is already threatened or limited.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting this creature demands both blue and black mana, a combination that confines it to specific decks and can make it less flexible in multicolor strategies that don’t focus on these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Silumgar Spell-Eater’s stats and immediate impact may not align with other creatures or counterspells available. This can be especially true when you need a quicker response to opponents’ threats.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Silumgar Spell-Eater offers a flexible counter-magic option that is useful in various deck archetypes. Its morph ability allows for a surprise element, potentially countering key spells when opponents least expect it.
Combo Potential: This card is a great addition to decks that capitalize on morph mechanics or need a reliable way to safeguard combos by disrupting opponents’ plays. It can also synergize with other cards that reward you for turning creatures face up.
Meta-Relevance: In a landscape where instant-speed interaction is paramount, Silumgar Spell-Eater stands out by being a countermeasure against prevalent control or combo decks, making it a tactical choice for those aiming to stay a step ahead in the game.
How to Beat Silumgar Spell-Eater
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, countering the abilities of Silumgar Spell-Eater can be quite the conundrum. This particular card throws a unique challenge: with its manifest and counter spell combo, it demands careful attention. To navigate past this obstacle, timing is everything. Engaging in spellcasting when your opponent’s mana is low, or when they have already tapped out, can significantly reduce the chances of your spell being countered by this sneaky dragon.
Another strategy is to bait out the counter ability. Cast a less crucial spell first to lure out Silumgar Spell-Eater. Once it’s on the battlefield, it becomes vulnerable to removal spells, allowing you to handle it before it can hide again. It’s also worth stacking your deck with spells that can’t be countered or with effects that grant such protection to other spells. This approach diminishes the power of all counter spells, not just Silumgar Spell-Eater.
Tackling this card head-on requires a blend of tactical plays and deck construction with answers to such surprises. Remember, Magic: The Gathering is a game of wit, and overcoming a card like Silumgar Spell-Eater is a testament to a player’s strategic prowess.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Silumgar Spell-Eater MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Silumgar Spell-Eater 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 Silumgar Spell-Eater has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Silumgar Spell-Eater card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | If a face-down creature with megamorph is turned face up some other way (for example, if you manifest a card with megamorph and then pay its mana cost to turn it face up), you won’t put a +1/+1 counter on it. |
| 2015-02-25 | Megamorph is a variant of the morph ability. You can find more information on morph on cards with morph from the Khans of Tarkir set. |
| 2015-02-25 | Turning a face-down creature with megamorph face up and putting a +1/+1 counter on it is a special action. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to. |