Skewer Slinger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dwarf Knight |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 149 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Edgar Sánchez Hidalgo |
Text of card
Reach Whenever Skewer Slinger blocks or becomes blocked by a creature, Skewer Slinger deals 1 damage to that creature.
One way or another, dwarven meals end up in someone's stomach.
Cards like Skewer Slinger
Skewer Slinger brings a fresh dynamic to creature cards in MTG, drawing parallels to other creatures with tap abilities that deal damage. Flametongue Kavu is a creature that comes to mind which, upon entering the battlefield, allows the player to deal 4 damage to a target creature. Skewer Slinger offers more flexibility as it can target creatures or players, but it does require the creature to tap, whereas Flametongue Kavu’s effect is a one-time trigger.
Prodigal Pyromancer is another card that bears a resemblance to Skewer Slinger, as it also has the capability to ping creatures or players for one damage upon tapping. However, Prodigal Pyromancer lacks the power-up kick that Skewer Slinger possesses, which can deal additional damage if certain conditions are met. Then we have Cunning Sparkmage, hitting the same notes with tap-damage but as a smaller creature, it offers less board presence compared to Skewer Slinger.
The strategic advantages of such tap-to-damage creatures are evident and, when considering Skewer Slinger’s options for damage amplification, it becomes a valuable addition to any MTG player’s arsenal. Its place in the magic landscape is both vital and distinctive due to its versatile damage potential.
Cards similar to Skewer Slinger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skewer Slinger can potentially remove an opponent’s creature while also placing a body on the board, essentially dealing with a threat and developing your own presence in one go.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting your mana pool, Skewer Slinger’s presence can deter opponents from playing smaller creatures, effectively slowing down their board development and possibly giving you the tempo advantage.
Instant Speed: The ability of Skewer Slinger can be activated at instant speed, offering the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn or at a moment that would yield the most tactical benefit.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skewer Slinger necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability. This condition may force you to deplete valuable hand assets, making it less appealing when your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires both red and generic mana, Skewer Slinger can be restrictive when building a multi-colored deck or when mana flexibility is essential for gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its casting cost and the additional cost to utilize its ability, Skewer Slinger may be seen as less cost-effective compared with other options in the same mana range that provide equal or greater impact on the board without the drawback of discarding.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Skewer Slinger is adaptable across various deck builds, providing both offensive capabilities and utility. It’s a solid addition to decks that thrive on direct damage and board control.
Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate with strategies that amplify damage or utilize tap and untap mechanics, showcasing its synergy within intricate combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies frequently dominate the playing field, Skewer Slinger can serve as both a threat and a deterrent, maintaining its relevance in fluctuating game environments.
How to beat
Skewer Slinger is an impactful card with a skill set that can skew the battlefield in a player’s favor. Similar to cards that provide both creature presence and removal potential, it’s important to strategize when facing it in Magic: The Gathering. If you’re aiming to neutralize Skewer Slinger’s threat, consider employing instant-speed removal cards to dispatch it before it can leverage its damage-dealing ability. Cards that offer exile effects can also be crucial, bypassing any death-triggered abilities it might have.
One could look to cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization as efficient tools for handling creatures that can deal damage like Skewer Slinger. Furthermore, since Skewer Slinger can be a recurring problem, cards that prevent creatures from entering the battlefield from the graveyard, such as Grafdigger’s Cage, are also viable options. Preventive measures, like countering it upon casting with Dispel or Negate, ensure it never poses a threat.
In essence, overcoming Skewer Slinger in MTG hinges on timely removal, circumventing its effects, and preemptive action. Understanding when and how to respond to such cards is key, leaving your opponent without their keystone piece and preserving your advantage on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skewer Slinger MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Skewer Slinger and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Skewer Slinger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skewer Slinger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-09-01 | The triggered ability triggers once for each creature blocking or blocked by Skewer Slinger. The ability resolves and deals damage to that creature before combat damage is dealt. If that damage destroys all creatures blocking Skewer Slinger, it doesn't become unblocked. |