Skyclaw Thrash MTG Card

Skyclaw Thrash enhances artifact decks with potential card advantage and resource acceleration. Instant-speed synergies protect and maximize Skyclaw Thrash’s powerful flip ability. Despite mana specificity, Skyclaw Thrash’s unique mechanics offer substantial combat tricks.
Skyclaw Thrash - Alara Reborn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Viashino Warrior
Released2009-04-30
Set symbol
Set nameAlara Reborn
Set codeARB
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number89
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJaime Jones

Text of card

Whenever Skyclaw Thrash attacks, flip a coin. If you win the flip, Skyclaw Thrash gets +1/+1 and gains flying until end of turn.

Their newfound wings shined elegantly and functioned partially.

Cards like Skyclaw Thrash

Skyclaw Thrash emanates a unique presence in the MTG artifact creature scope. It may remind seasoned players of the Atog family, which thrives on sacrificing artifacts to gain benefits. However, what sets Skyclaw Thrash apart is its ability to potentially transform into a formidable power player during combat with its coin flip triggered ability, offering an element of surprise that Atog creatures lack.

Comparing to another coin flip artifact creature, Krark’s Thumb, Skyclaw Thrash doesn’t directly manipulate probabilities but certainly appreciates the favorable odds Krark’s Thumb can provide. On the other hand, Volatile Rig shares the unpredictable nature of Skyclaw Thrash, though it carries a risk factor that can impact both players, unlike the controlled gamble of Skyclaw Thrash which only affects the controller’s board.

To sum up, Skyclaw Thrash carves its niche among MTG artifact creatures with its gamble-based mechanics. It offers a unique combat trick which, paired with the right deck, can unexpectedly turn the tides of a game. As such, it provides a blend of excitement and strategic depth that can be appreciated by players who like to leave a bit up to chance.

Atog - MTG Card versions
Krark's Thumb - MTG Card versions
Volatile Rig - MTG Card versions
Atog - MTG Card versions
Krark's Thumb - MTG Card versions
Volatile Rig - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When adapting your strategy around Skyclaw Thrash, keep in mind it can contribute positively to card advantage, especially in artifact-centric decks that benefit from numerous creature types.

Resource Acceleration: This card provides a solid body in play, which can translate into resource acceleration through synergies with other artifact-related cards. The potential to turn each artifact presence into a powerful attack can help speed up your game plan.

Instant Speed: While Skyclaw Thrash itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, decks that include this card often pack instant-speed interactions to protect it or capitalize on its flip mechanic. This fosters an environment where you can respond to opponents’ moves strategically while aiming for the Thrash’s optimal outcome.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other cards, Skyclaw Thrash can put you at a disadvantage, given its reliance on discarding to activate certain abilities. This can deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Skyclaw Thrash demands a particular combination of mana colors for casting, specifically blue and red. This can be restrictive and may not fit seamlessly into every deck strategy, particularly those that do not support these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that leans towards the higher end of the spectrum, Skyclaw Thrash competes with other cards in the same mana range that might deliver greater immediate impact or value to your game state.

Reasons to Include Skyclaw Thrash in Your Collection

Versatility: Skyclaw Thrash proves to be a flexible addition to any deck that synergizes with artifact creatures or those that capitalize on power modifications. Its role on the battlefield adapts as the game progresses, providing strategic opportunities at each stage.

Combo Potential: With its coin flip ability, Skyclaw Thrash interacts well with effects that manipulate or benefit from chance outcomes. Pairing it with cards that double triggered abilities or with those that ensure a positive coin flip result can unleash its full potential.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where artifact synergy is key, Skyclaw Thrash can be an essential component. It’s not just an aggressive creature; it’s a tactical piece that can interact with widespread artifact dynamics and disrupt your opponents’ strategies by providing unpredictable yet potentially game-changing power boosts.

How to beat

Skyclaw Thrash is a unique artifact creature that can bolster your offensive capabilities in Magic: The Gathering. When you control this creature, every time an artifact comes into play, you have the possibility of doubling its power until end of turn, making it a formidable threat. To effectively overpower Skyclaw Thrash, it’s advisable to keep artifact removal tools at the ready. Cards like Shatter or Naturalize can disrupt your opponent’s strategy by removing their artifacts from play, thereby mitigating the chance for Skyclaw Thrash to grow.

Another strategy is to control the pace of the game with counter spells or creature removal. By using cards such as Doom Blade or Counterspell, you can restrict your opponent’s board development, ensuring Skyclaw Thrash does not become an overwhelming presence. It’s important not to underestimate this creature’s potential burst of power; therefore, managing the battlefield with timely removal and maintaining a stable defense are key to overcoming the challenge posed by Skyclaw Thrash.

Precise planning and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves will significantly improve your chances against Skyclaw Thrash. By combining removal, control, and board presence, you can ensure that this powerful artifact creature remains just a minor threat in the grand arena of Magic: The Gathering.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skyclaw Thrash MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn, 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 Skyclaw Thrash and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skyclaw Thrash has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skyclaw Thrash card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2009-05-01 If you lose the flip, nothing happens. Skyclaw Thrash continues to attack as normal.