Skullsnatcher MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 13 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Rat Ninja |
Abilities | Ninjutsu |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Ninjutsu (, Return an unblocked attacker you control to hand: Put this card into play from your hand tapped and attacking.) Whenever Skullsnatcher deals combat damage to a player, remove up to two target cards in that player's graveyard from the game.
Cards like Skullsnatcher
Skullsnatcher offers a distinct approach to creature cards in MTG with its ninjutsu ability. Its nearest counterpart is Nezumi Graverobber, which also interacts with graveyards but through different means. Skullsnatcher excels in its capacity to exile two cards from an opponent’s graveyard whenever it deals combat damage, effectively diminishing their resources and strategies that hinge on graveyard retrieval efforts.
Contrasting Skullsnatcher with Wight of Precinct Six, we notice that Wight grows stronger as more creature cards pile up in your opponents’ graveyards, a different strategy where you benefit from a full graveyard rather than an empty one. Another close relation in this facet is Scavenging Ooze, which similarly exiles cards from graveyards but also has the upside of gaining you life and becoming stronger for each card exiled.
In essence, Skullsnatcher’s niche lies in providing a proactive approach to controlling opponents’ graveyards while being an efficient, sneaky damage dealer. This specialization makes it a tactical option particularly favorable in decks where denying graveyard strategies is as crucial as dealing damage itself.
Cards similar to Skullsnatcher by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skullsnatcher’s ability to exile cards from an opponent’s graveyard when it deals combat damage can disrupt their strategies, providing you a subtle edge in the game. This graveyard control can be a form of card advantage, especially against decks that rely on graveyard interaction.
Resource Acceleration: While Skullsnatcher itself doesn’t directly generate mana or ramp, controlling your opponent’s graveyard can indirectly accelerate your resources. By removing potential targets for reanimation or flashback, you’re effectively diminishing the resources available to your opponent, keeping you a step ahead.
Instant Speed: Although Skullsnatcher does not operate at instant speed, its Ninjutsu ability allows for a sneaky mid-combat swap. This can be employed similarly to an instant, disrupting your opponent’s calculations and potentially saving a more valuable creature from being blocked or destroyed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A key downside to Skullsnatcher is its necessity for a card to be discarded from an opponent’s graveyard to leverage its ability. This condition restricts its effectiveness, especially against decks that do not utilize the graveyard prominently or when graveyards are empty.
Specific Mana Cost: Skullsnatcher demands a precise mana alignment of one black and one generic mana, which can be a challenge in multi-colored decks. Its reliance on a specific mana color makes it less flexible for players running a diverse mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its mana cost is not exorbitant, there are instances where Skullsnatcher may not provide the best value. Given that its power and toughness are modest, some players might find other creatures or spells that offer a more impactful presence on the battlefield or provide utility for the same cost.
Reasons to Include Skullsnatcher in Your Collection
Versatility: Skullsnatcher can be an asset to decks that aim to make use of the graveyard, allowing players to manage opponents’ graveyard resources while also providing a quick creature on the board.
Combo Potential: This card holds potential in various combo stacks, especially when coupled with abilities that require creature sacrifice or benefit from opponents losing graveyard options.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where graveyard manipulation is key, Skullsnatcher’s ability to remove cards from the game can be critically advantageous, keeping your opponents’ strategic options limited.
How to beat
Skullsnatcher presents an interesting challenge on the battlegrounds of Magic: The Gathering. This nimble creature is notable for its ability to remove cards from an opponent’s graveyard whenever it deals combat damage to a player. Thus, it plays a key role in disrupting strategies that rely on graveyard mechanics. To counter Skullsnatcher effectively, players need to implement tactics that prevent it from connecting with a player, such as utilizing creatures with reach or flying to block it, or employing instant-speed removal spells to dispatch it before it can fulfill its role.
Deterrents like Ghostly Prison can also hinder Skullsnatcher by making it costly for the opponent to attack. Additionally, cards that grant hexproof to a player, like Witchbane Orb, can be instrumental in nullifying Skullsnatcher’s ability by making it impossible for it to target the protected player. By anticipating this pesky creature’s potential and having a plan in place, players can maintain control over their graveyard and reduce the impact of Skullsnatcher’s ability on the overall game strategy.
In essence, understanding the importance of a well-prepared defense against graveyard manipulation helps players not only to mitigate the threats posed by Skullsnatcher but also to fortify their position in the intricate world of Magic: The Gathering.
BurnMana Recommendations
Dealing with the subtle intricacies of Magic the Gathering can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Skullsnatcher’s ability to manipulate the graveyard offers a distinct tactical advantage, making it a fascinating card to wield. If you’re intrigued by the disruption potential it brings to the table or are looking to refine graveyard-centered strategies, consider incorporating Skullsnatcher into your deck. Whether you seek to elevate your gameplay or disrupt your opponent’s plans, understanding the strengths and limitations of such cards is crucial. Journey with us to dive deeper into strategic deck building and optimizing your MTG experience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skullsnatcher MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa and Salvat 2005, 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 Skullsnatcher and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana 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 Skullsnatcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2005-02-04 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2005-02-04 | Betrayers of Kamigawa | BOK | 84 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | A4 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | A42 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
4 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | E18 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
5 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | A43 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
6 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | E17 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
7 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | E19 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
8 | 2006-01-01 | Hachette UK | PHUK | 42 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
9 | 2006-01-01 | Hachette UK | PHUK | 4 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
10 | 2006-01-01 | Hachette UK | PHUK | 43 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
11 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 36 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
12 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 36 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
13 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 384 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skullsnatcher has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skullsnatcher card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2005-02-01 | Skullsnatcher’s ability can target zero, one, or two cards in that player’s graveyard. |