Skullknocker Ogre MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Ogre |
| Released | 2019-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Throne of Eldraine |
| Set code | ELD |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 142 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Svetlin Velinov |
Text of card
Whenever Skullknocker Ogre deals damage to an opponent, that player discards a card at random. If the player does, they draw a card.
The ogre crashed through the massive door. The winged folios scattered like frightened birds.
Cards like Skullknocker Ogre
Skullknocker Ogre stands out in the realm of aggressive creatures in MTG. It’s somewhat akin to cards like Browbeat in its ability to offer an opponent a difficult choice. While Browbeat threatens card draw if the opponent declines to take damage, Skullknocker Ogre offers no such compensation, instead focusing on repeated combat pressure. Another similar card, Vexing Devil, presents a one-time choice between taking damage or facing a substantial creature; however, unlike Vexing Devil, Skullknocker Ogre presents this dilemma each combat, providing sustained tactical advantages.
In comparison to the typical red aggro creatures, Skullknocker Ogre introduces a mental game, much like Blisterstick Shaman, which also interferes with opponent’s choices by potentially removing a creature upon entry. Though Blisterstick Shaman has the ability to affect the board immediately, Skullknocker Ogre’s consistent combat presence and choice mechanic can become more disruptive over time.
Analyzing Skullknocker Ogre alongside these cards, it’s clear that its unique approach to red’s direct damage and choice paradigm holds a distinct place. Its repeatability and psychological impact during the combat phase can be invaluable in the right deck, showcasing its unique role in MTG’s creature line-up.
Cards similar to Skullknocker Ogre by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Skullknocker Ogre offers the potential to disrupt your opponent’s hand while developing your own board, which can indirectly lead to gaining card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration; however, its ability to potentially eliminate key cards from your opponent’s hand can slow them down, indirectly accelerating your game position.
Instant Speed: Skullknocker Ogre might not have instant speed itself, but it complements decks with instant speed spells by applying pressure and demanding answers on the board, allowing you more freedom to cast other spells at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skullknocker Ogre comes with an ability that requires players to discard a card. This can be a notable downside in scenarios where your hand size is crucial to your strategy or when you’re already facing a shortage of card options.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a precise mana cost that includes red mana, making it a less flexible choice for decks that run more than two colors and potentially restricting its integration into various multicolored strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Skullknocker Ogre’s mana cost can be considered steep, especially when put side by side with other creatures in the same cost bracket. Some players might find that other cards in the three to four mana range could provide greater versatility or impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Skullknocker Ogre in Your Collection
Versatility: Skullknocker Ogre is not constrained to just one type of deck; its ability to cause card discard can enhance strategies focused on disrupting opponents across a variety of formats.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with abilities that capitalize on opponents discarding cards, such as powering up specter creatures or enabling madness abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players hold onto a lot of cards, forcing discards can significantly weaken their position, making Skullknocker Ogre a substantial threat to consider.
How to beat
Skullknocker Ogre is a unique challenge on the battlefield, providing an interesting mix of aggression and a hint of control over the opponent’s hand. The key to overcoming this formidable creature lies in understanding its abilities and strategizing accordingly. Most crucially, Skullknocker Ogre forces a player to discard a card at random whenever it deals damage, presenting an element where luck plays a role in your strategy. Reacting swiftly and judiciously is essential.
Look towards cards that prevent damage, thereby negating the discard trigger. Spells with damage prevention qualities or creatures with high defensive stats can stop the Ogre in its tracks. You might even consider enchantments that neutralize the opponent’s creatures, making them unable to attack or block. Also, since the Ogre’s strength is its combat prowess, consider using instant-speed removal spells to eliminate it before damage is dealt, sidestepping its intimidating effect entirely.
Facing down a Skullknocker Ogre is all about retaining control, managing the board, and minimizing the potential for its havoc-wreaking ability to disrupt your game plan. By incorporating these tactics, you elevate your chances of securing victory even when this creature lurks across the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skullknocker Ogre MTG card by a specific set like Throne 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 Skullknocker Ogre 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 Skullknocker Ogre has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skullknocker Ogre card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-10-04 | If that player has one card in hand, it's discarded at random (even though that's not very random). The player draws a card. |