Skittering Skirge MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 158
1999-01-01 - Number 4
2000-10-01 - Number 31
2002-06-24 - Number 36126
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Imp |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying When you successfully cast a creature spell, sacrifice Skittering Skirge.
The imps' warbling cries echo through Phyrexia's towers like those of mourning doves in a cathedral.
Cards like Skittering Skirge
Skittering Skirge stands out in the realm of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. It shares the flying attribute with creatures like Spire Golem, which also takes to the skies for aerial combat. Skittering Skirge, however, has a downside that sets it apart; it requires you to sacrifice it when you play a creature spell, which Spire Golem does not. On the upside, Skittering Skirge enters the battlefield at low mana cost, making it a swift threat.
In a similar light, we can compare it to Dusk Imp, another flying creature, but with the distinction that Dusk Imp stays on the battlefield unaffected by your creature spells. Despite the apparent advantages, Dusk Imp’s higher mana cost compared to Skittering Skirge must be considered. Then there’s Vampire Interloper, also a flying creature with a low mana cost, but it cannot block, unlike Skittering Skirge which can be used defensively.
All in all, Skittering Skirge offers a compelling choice for decks that capitalize on early aerial pressure and utilize the creature’s sacrifice mechanic for strategic benefits, positioning it uniquely amongst its flying counterparts in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Skittering Skirge by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Skittering Skirge. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Control | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A boon for any deck focusing on tempo, Skittering Skirge can disrupt your opponent’s early game by forcing sacrifice of key permanents when it leaves the battlefield. This can potentially swing the card balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct source of mana, playing Skittering Skirge early establishes a board presence that could potentially free up your resources later. By dealing with opponents’ threats efficiently, you manage your resources better as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: While Skittering Skirge itself isn’t an instant, its low casting cost means it can seamlessly fit into a strategy where you’re holding mana for instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s turn. This synergy with instant-speed spells can give you an edge by keeping opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skittering Skirge requires the player to discard a card upon entering the battlefield, which can be a setback when your hand size is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands two black mana, which may not be easily splashed into multi-color decks that do not prioritize black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of three mana, including double black, Skittering Skirge’s properties may not align with the tempo of aggressive decks that prefer lower casting costs to maintain board presence and pace.
Reasons to Include Skittering Skirge in Your Collection
Versatility: Skittering Skirge offers flexibility to many black-focused decks. Its low casting cost and substantial power make it a strong early game play, fitting nicely into both aggressive and tempo strategies.
Combo Potential: As a creature with the flying ability, Skittering Skirge can be a key piece in aerial assault combos. Its sacrifice trigger can also be a boon for decks that capitalize on creatures dying, such as those involving graveyard mechanics or death-triggered abilities.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-evolving nature of MTG, keeping creatures that adapt well to multiple styles of play is crucial. Skittering Skirge’s easy-to-meet mana requirement and its impact on the battlefield make it a card to have on hand, especially in a meta where efficient flying creatures can make all the difference.
How to Beat Skittering Skirge
Skittering Skirge brings a unique dynamic to the MTG battlefield with its efficient mana cost and powerful punch. This creature card can be quickly deployed, putting early pressure on your opponent. However, as with any card, there are strategies to counteract its strengths. Skittering Skirge falls prey to its own vulnerability – the clause that forces you to sacrifice it when you cast another creature spell.
The key tactic to undermine Skittering Skirge is to encourage or wait for your opponent to play another creature, thereby triggering Skittering Skirge’s self-sacrifice. Another option is to harness the abundant removal spells in MTG. Low-cost spells like Shock or Fatal Push can easily dispatch Skittering Skirge, given its modest toughness. Cards that limit your opponent’s ability to cast spells can also indirectly contain Skittering Skirge by constraining their overall game plan.
Understanding your opponent’s strategy and managing your removal spells will enable you to handle Skittering Skirge efficiently. Balancing aggression with tactical card play can turn the tide in your favor, reducing Skittering Skirge from a pesky threat to a manageable challenge on the gameboard.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skittering Skirge MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Arena League 1999, 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 Skittering Skirge 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
Printings
The Skittering Skirge Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2000-10-01. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 158 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 1999-01-01 | Arena League 1999 | PAL99 | 4 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 2000-10-01 | Beatdown Box Set | BTD | 31 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36126 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skittering Skirge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skittering Skirge card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The triggered ability triggers when the creature spell is cast, and it is put on the stack before any responses can be cast or activated. This ability will resolve before that creature enters the battlefield. |
| 2008-04-01 | A “creature spell” is any spell with the type Creature, even if it has other types such as Artifact or Enchantment. Older cards of type Summon are also Creature spells. |