Slash of Talons MTG Card

Instantly disrupt opponent strategies during combat by targeting attacking/blocking creatures. One white mana cost makes it easily accessible within white or mixed decks. Must be carefully considered against other cards for optimal deck efficiency.

Ixalan (XLN)
2017-09-29 - Number 38

Mystery Booster (MB1)
2019-11-07 - Number 235

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number XLN-38

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Slash of Talons deals 2 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.

"The amber sun smokes with fury, gazing on foes that gather like ants invading our home. We are ready! Blade and claw strike as one." —Huatli

Cards like Slash of Talons

In the realm of instant speed removal spells in Magic: The Gathering, Slash of Talons stands out with its ability to deal 2 damage to target attacking or blocking creature for a single white mana. An analogue to this card is Sunlance, which offers a more aggressive approach by dealing 3 damage but is limited to nonwhite creatures and lacks the limitation to attacking or blocking clauses. Slash of Talons shines in its flexibility during the combat phase, allowing for quick and reactive plays to disrupt your opponent’s strategies.

Looking closely at the details, we could also draw a parallel with Shock, a staple in red decks that deals 2 damage to any target. Although Shock offers broader targets, including players and planeswalkers, Slash of Talons benefits players seeking control over the battlefield dynamics by affecting only creatures involved in combat. Furthermore, cards like Moment of Triumph give a similar cost-efficient boost for white decks, providing not only instant speed interaction but also a life gain aspect, adding a different angle of utility compared to the pure damage removal Slash of Talons offers.

While each card has its niche, Slash of Talons fills a unique spot by presenting players with the opportunity to efficiently interrupt combat and eliminate key combatants with precision, being a hidden gem for tactical players who value surprise and control.

Cards similar to Slash of Talons by color, type and mana cost

Swords to Plowshares - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Slash of Talons may not allow you to draw additional cards, it can effectively shift the card balance in your favor by removing an opponent’s key creature from the battlefield without losing a card yourself.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct tool for ramping your mana resources, the low casting cost of Slash of Talons aids in maintaining a fluid gameplay, letting you deploy other spells earlier or keep mana available for additional plays.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Slash of Talons means increased flexibility, enabling you to disrupt your opponent’s combat strategies at a critical moment or eliminate an unexpected threat during their turn, maintaining the upper hand.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Slash of Talons doesn’t directly ask you to discard, the need to have it ready at exactly the right moment means holding onto it, potentially causing you to miss out on developing your board or utilizing other cards more efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a single white mana means it is tailored for white decks or those that can accommodate a white mana source, which could restrict its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only one white mana might not seem much, it competes for space in your deck with other low-cost spells that may offer greater impact or flexibility, making its cost an opportunity for debate.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Slash of Talons is a flexible card, easily slotting into various deck types. This instant offers the useful ability to deal 2 damage to target attacking or blocking creature, making it an excellent choice for defensive strategies or for disrupting your opponent’s combat plans.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that reward you for casting instant spells or damaging creatures. It can work in synergy with cards that track the number of spells you cast in a turn or with mechanics that benefit from dealing damage, such as enrage in dinosaur-themed decks.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive, creature-heavy strategies prevail, including Slash of Talons can give you a cost-effective edge. This one-mana spell can effectively remove early game threats or critical blockers, maintaining the tempo in your favor or saving you from potential lethal attacks.

How to beat

Slash of Talons is known for its quick and efficient removal capabilities within the world of Magic the Gathering. This one-mana instant can be deceiving in its simplicity, as it allows a player to deal 2 damage to an attacking or blocking creature. This can disrupt an opponent’s strategy, especially if they rely on early creature advantages. However, as with any card, there are strategies for overcoming this subtle threat.

To ensure your creatures survive a potential Slash of Talons, consider increasing their toughness through buffs, equipment, or enchantments that boost their resilience. Cards like Mizzium Skin can provide the necessary protection by granting hexproof or using counterspells can prevent Slash of Talons from ever resolving. Another approach is to bait out the spell using a less critical creature as a decoy, preserving your key creatures for later when your opponent’s guard is down. Remember, timing is crucial, and predicting when Slash of Talons may be played allows for smarter, safer plays.

Proactively thinking about these tactics creates a safety net against swift removal spells like Slash of Talons, turning a potential setback into an opportunity for you to seize control of the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Slash of Talons MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Mystery Booster, 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 Slash of Talons and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Slash of Talons Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Magali Villeneuve.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-09-29	Ixalan	XLN	38	2015	Normal	Black	Magali Villeneuve
2	2019-11-07	Mystery Booster	MB1	235	2015	Normal	Black	Magali Villeneuve
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	XLN-38	2015	Normal	Black	Magali Villeneuve

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Slash of Talons has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Timeless	Legal