Slavering Nulls MTG Card
2010-02-05 - Number 92
2011-09-02 - Number 45
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Zombie |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever Slavering Nulls deals combat damage to a player, if you control a Swamp, you may have that player discard a card.
Having lost their minds, they now want yours.
Cards like Slavering Nulls
Exploring the dynamic world of discard mechanics in Magic: The Gathering, Slavering Nulls is often evaluated alongside other cards that capitalize on an opponent’s hand. This card is reminiscent of Blazing Specter, with its ability to force a discard when dealing damage, giving a strategic edge in disrupting the opponent’s plans. However, Slavering Nulls distinctively intertwines with the Rakdos guild’s penchant for spectacle, requiring a red or black permanent to trigger its discard ability, unlike the always-ready Blazing Specter.
In the same realm, we find cards like Liliana’s Specter, presenting a mandatory discard to the opponent upon entering the battlefield, possibly providing an immediate advantage. While Liliana’s Specter guarantees a discard, Slavering Nulls requires combat damage to a player, but grants potential continuous denial of resources each turn it’s unblocked. Then, there’s Hypnotic Specter with its storied presence in MTG history, where every hit to the opponent could lead to a random discard, adding an element of luck that Slavering Nulls doesn’t have.
Despite the competition, Slavering Nulls still holds its own among discard-centric cards. Whether it’s through leveraging consistent pressure on the adversary’s hand or enhancing a deck’s synergies, Slavering Nulls represents a choice with its own merits within the vast array of hand disruption options in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Slavering Nulls by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Slavering Nulls has the potential to disrupt your opponent’s hand while you draw cards, giving you an edge in the game by shrinking their options and expanding yours.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing your mana pool, Slavering Nulls can pave the way for aggressive strategies that pressure the opponent, which indirectly accelerates your resource dominance on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Although Slavering Nulls doesn’t operate at instant speed, its activated ability can be used at any point of your own turn, offering flexibility in your attack phases and room to strategize with sorcery-speed spells.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Slavering Nulls asks players to discard a card when it deals damage to an opponent. This can be a hurdle when your hand is already running empty, constraining your ability to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red and black mana, Slavering Nulls mandates a commitment to a Rakdos-colored deck, potentially restricting its flexibility across a wider array of deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a combined cost of three, including one red and one black mana, Slavering Nulls sits at a price point where players might expect a more immediately impactful creature or ability on the board.
Reasons to Include Slavering Nulls in Your Collection
Versatility: Slavering Nulls can be a dynamic addition to any deck looking for discard mechanisms. Fitting snugly into Rakdos builds, they provide synergy with strategies that benefit from opponents discarding cards.
Combo Potential: These goblins have the ability to synergize with other cards that capitalize on an opponent discarding, such as triggering madness costs or enhancing graveyard-based play.
Meta-Relevance: As the game landscape ebbs and flows, the potential for Slavering Nulls to upset an opponent’s strategy makes it a smart choice in a meta that is heavy on hand sculpting and relies on key cards for execution.
How to beat
Slavering Nulls is known for its discard-triggered ability, making it a unique challenge on the battlefield. This creature can force card disadvantage on your opponent, which can create significant pressure in the game. To effectively counteract the Nulls, it’s critical to manage your hand and battlefield presence carefully.
A strategic approach is to limit the impact of its triggered ability by maintaining card advantage. Playing cards that allow you to draw or recycle your hand can keep the Nulls in check. Additionally, instant-speed removal spells are crucial, as they allow you to eliminate the Nulls before your declare attackers phase, circumventing their ability and preserving your hand. It’s also beneficial to incorporate creatures with hexproof or shroud, preventing the Nulls from targeting them altogether.
Overall, while the Slavering Nulls presents a unique threat, a careful strategy focusing on card advantage and timely removal can mitigate their effect. By understanding the mechanics of this creature and planning accordingly, you can maintain control and prevent the Slavering Nulls from overwhelming the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Slavering Nulls MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, 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 Slavering Nulls and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Slavering Nulls Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-02-05 and 2011-09-02. Illustrated by Dave Kendall.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-02-05 | Worldwake | WWK | 92 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall | |
| 2 | 2011-09-02 | Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas | DDH | 45 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Slavering Nulls has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |