Skullclamp MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 23 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Artifact — Equipment |
Abilities | Equip |
Text of card
Equipped creature gets +1/-1. When equipped creature is put into a graveyard, draw two cards. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery. This card comes into play unattached and stays in play if the creature leaves play.)
Cards like Skullclamp
Skullclamp stands out in the landscape of MTG card drawing engines thanks to its unique mechanics. When set alongside other equipment cards that enhance creature capabilities, such as Sword of Fire and Ice, Skullclamp takes a different route by banking on a creature’s death for benefit. Unlike Sword of Fire and Ice that provides a mixture of protection and card draw without loss, Skullclamp encourages strategic sacrifice for growth in card advantage.
It’s akin in spirit to Mentor of the Meek, which allows card drawing whenever a creature with power 2 or less enters the battlefield, yet Skullclamp provides a more immediate and guaranteed return at the cost of the creature. Then you have Fecundity, which opens up card drawing for any creature’s demise, but it does so for both players, where Skullclamp offers a more selfish edge to the controller. Both are valuable, but Skullclamp affords players a decisive control over their card draw.
In analyzing these alternatives, Skullclamp emerges as a robust choice for decks looking to convert creature presence into powerful draw potential, making it a staple in formats where creatures often find themselves sacrificial for the greater good of the game plan.
Cards similar to Skullclamp by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Skullclamp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paradoxical Outcome | Vintage | Paradoxical Outcome | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20 | |
Lurrus Saga | Vintage | Lurrus Saga | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-02-10 | |
Mono Red Combo Goblins | Free form | Noble Spring Quarterly | ||
Rocco Rainbow Elves | Free form | Noble Spring Quarterly | ||
Decklist | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | ||
Gruul | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | ||
Abzan | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | ||
Naya Turbo Initiative | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | ||
Raging Goblins Q1 2024 | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skullclamp is legendary for its ability to churn through a deck by granting you the ability to draw two cards whenever the equipped creature dies. This can rapidly overfill your hand with options, keeping you a step ahead of your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: By converting small creatures into fresh draws, Skullclamp effectively accelerates your plays, letting you access more of your resources quickly. It’s like turning your tokens or expendable creatures into fuel for your strategic engine.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Skullclamp can be equipped at instant speed, providing flexibility in response to game states. This adaptability allows you to attach it to a creature at a moment’s notice—right before it’s about to die—turning an otherwise unfavorable situation into an opportunity for gain.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike the discard mechanic, Skullclamp requires you to sacrifice a creature to draw cards, which can be costly if you have a limited board presence or your strategy relies on maintaining creature control.
Specific Mana Cost: Skullclamp’s casting cost demands colorless mana; however, where this becomes tricky is in the heavy reliance on artifacts in your deck, potentially constraining deck diversity and making it predictable.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Skullclamp itself is cheap to play, the need to repeatedly pay mana to equip it to different creatures adds up, which could be inefficient compared to other low-cost artifact options that provide persistent effects without additional investment.
Reasons to Include Skullclamp in Your Collection
Versatility: Skullclamp offers numerous advantages across various deck archetypes, excelling in those that have a steady flow of creatures to equip. This equipment shines by turning each small creature into a card-drawing engine.
Combo Potential: Beyond its standalone value, Skullclamp can be a linchpin in combos, particularly those looking to capitalize on creature death for benefits beyond the draw, such as with Blood Artist or similar effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where keeping your hand filled with options is crucial, Skullclamp provides consistent card advantage. This makes it a mainstay in formats like Commander, where its impact on the board state and your resources can be game-changing.
How to Beat Skullclamp
Skullclamp stands out as a formidable MTG card, renowned for its efficient card drawing ability. It endows creatures with a slight power boost and, when they die, rewards the player with two valuable cards. This mechanism lends itself to strategies that capitalize on the sacrifice of small creatures, thus turning each creature’s demise into an advantage for the wielder of the Skullclamp. Tackling this card involves disrupting the synergy it creates. One effective method is targeting the Skullclamp with artifact removal spells before it can be fully utilized. Cards such as Nature’s Claim or Disenchant can swiftly put an end to the Skullclamp’s influence on the game.
Another strategy is to limit the player’s creature resources through board wipes or removal spells, which can hinder the repetitive draw engine that Skullclamp aims to establish. Additionally, employing graveyard hate cards that exile creatures when they die can prevent the Skullclamp from triggering its card draw ability. Ultimately, understanding and anticipating your opponent’s strategies, while keeping the board free of expendable creatures and artifacts, is key to effectively neutralize the advantage Skullclamp provides.
BurnMana Recommendations
MTG aficionados seeking to revolutionize their gameplay will find Skullclamp an indispensable asset. This unique card turns each creature sacrifice into a confident stride towards victory, fueling your hand with more options and your deck with unmatched tempo. By leveraging its card-drawing might, you can create a game state that keeps opponents on their heels. If you’re eager to optimize your strategy and turn the tide of battle, explore the depths of this powerful artifact’s potential. Dive into our expansive content, enrich your collection, and wield the tactical edge that Skullclamp offers.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skullclamp MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and From the Vault: Exiled, 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 Skullclamp 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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Printings
The Skullclamp Magic the Gathering card was released in 19 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2004-02-06 | Darksteel | DST | 140 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
2 | 2009-08-28 | From the Vault: Exiled | V09 | 12 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
3 | 2010-11-08 | Magic Online Theme Decks | TD0 | A120 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
4 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 260 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
5 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 281 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
6 | 2014-11-07 | Commander 2014 | C14 | 268 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
7 | 2015-11-13 | Commander 2015 | C15 | 267 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
8 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 271 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
9 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 230 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
10 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 222 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
11 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1630 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
12 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 1112 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Yoji Shinkawa | ||
13 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 251 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
14 | The List | PLST | C17-222 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | ||
15 | The List | PLST | C20-251 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | ||
16 | The List | PLST | CMD-260 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | ||
17 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 870 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
18 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 248 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
19 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 248★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer | |
20 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Commander | BRC | 159 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
21 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 379 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
22 | 2024-03-08 | Fallout | PIP | 238 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Skinnyelbows | |
23 | 2024-03-08 | Fallout | PIP | 766 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Skinnyelbows |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skullclamp has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Banned |
Modern | Banned |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |