Silverclaw Griffin MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Griffin |
| Abilities | First strike,Flying |
| Released | 2012-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dark Ascension |
| Set code | DKA |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 21 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daniel Ljunggren |
Text of card
Flying, first strike
It patrols the grafs for miles around Thraben, ensuring that the unhallowed do not wake for long.
Cards like Silverclaw Griffin
Silverclaw Griffin is a unique creature within the cosmos of Magic: The Gathering. It’s often measured against others like Serra Angel due to the shared capacity for flying and vigilance. The Griffin, with its steadfast presence on the battlefield, allows for both offensive measures and defensive readiness, akin to the iconic Serra Angel. Yet, Silverclaw Griffin comes with the upside of being both a bird and a beast, offering a broader synergy in tribal decks that prize such creature types.
Delving further into comparisons, we have the illustrious Baneslayer Angel, a card that also wields flying and carries additional lifelink and protection from demons and dragons, further enhancing its battlefield superiority. While not as cost-effective as Silverclaw Griffin, Baneslayer Angel presents a higher threat level and potential for life gain. Conversely, Silverclaw Griffin’s lower converted mana cost could complement strategies that require a more agile curve.
Ultimately, when evaluating creature cards with similar abilities, Silverclaw Griffin stands out in MTG for its fusion of tribal compatibility, cost-efficiency, and dual keyword abilities. It’s a solid choice for players who need a reliable flying threat without overspending on mana resources.
Cards similar to Silverclaw Griffin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Silverclaw Griffin provides a notable advantage in the air, as this creature can pressure the opponent’s life total while being a resilient blocker when needed.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting resource acceleration, the Griffin’s reasonable casting cost makes it a solid addition to your curve, fitting well into the mid-game where maintaining momentum is key.
Instant Speed: Though the Silverclaw Griffin itself isn’t an instant, its keyword abilities can work exceptionally well with instant-speed interactions, allowing you to maximize your tactical plays while committing to a board presence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Silverclaw Griffin doesn’t ask you to discard directly, it’s part of a trading card game where hand advantage matters. Not having an ability that replenishes your hand can be a subtle con, as you’re not offsetting the resources used to cast it.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Silverclaw Griffin includes white mana, which means it can only be smoothly integrated into decks that align with white’s strategies. This may limit deck-building diversity and force players into more narrow pathways for their deck’s color composition.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to put Silverclaw Griffin into play can be steep for aggressive decks that aim to deploy threats quickly. Considering the current standard where creatures at a similar cost can provide immediate value upon hitting the battlefield or offer lower costing alternatives with evasion, the Griffin could be a less attractive option for optimized deck builds.
Reasons to Include Silverclaw Griffin in Your Collection
Versatility: Silverclaw Griffin brings a blend of agility and resilience to your decks. Its flying ability allows it to soar over ground-based blockers, making it a reliable offensive and defensive creature in various match-ups.
Combo Potential: As a creature with both flying and first strike, Silverclaw Griffin can be a linchpin in synergistic strategies that capitalize on either of those attributes, meshing well with cards that amplify its damage or provide additional battle phase advantages.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where flying creatures dominate or where first strike is pivotal in combat interactions, Silverclaw Griffin’s presence can tip the scales. Its relevancy adjusts with the shifts in the competitive landscape, ensuring that it often has a place in the aerial combat strategy of a deck.
How to beat
The Silverclaw Griffin presents a challenge with its flying ability and double strike feature, making it a formidable foe in the skies of MTG. These qualities give it a strong defensive and offensive presence, but there are strategies to ground and conquer this creature. Removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes, can effectively deal with Silverclaw Griffin without having to overcome its protective keyword abilities.
Cards like ‘Wrath of God’ or ‘Damnation’, which destroy all creatures, bypass the need for targeted removal, ensuring that the Griffin cannot leverage its evasion to remain on the battlefield. Moreover, if you’re playing blue, counterspells are also an option, allowing you to prevent the Griffin from ever taking flight. As with any game of MTG, understanding your opponent’s deck and anticipating the potential threat of a Silverclaw Griffin can lead to preemptive decisions that save you from its wrath later on in the match.
Considering removal, board control, and countering strategies provides the most comprehensive approach to face down and defeat the Silverclaw Griffin effectively in your MTG battles.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Silverclaw Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Silverclaw Griffin 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Silverclaw Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |