Slice from the Shadows MTG Card


Grants card advantage and removal, pivotal for shifting game momentum in your favor. Runs at instant speed for tactical plays, but requires a discard, limiting hand options. Offers combo potential, yet its specific mana cost can challenge deck building strategy.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

This spell can't be countered. Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn.

"Something about Massacre Girl's brazen attack doesn't make sense. Why would the Cult of Rakdos be involved at all?" —Alquist Proft, case notes


Cards like Slice from the Shadows

Slice from the Shadows offers a distinct strategy within Magic: The Gathering’s array of removal cards. It shares a similar goal as other cards, such as Murder, aiming to neutralize creatures. While Murder straightaway destroys any target creature for three mana, Slice from the Shadows introduces a nuanced playstyle with its ability to destroy a creature and generate card advantage.

Another akin card is Go for the Throat which, for two mana, efficiently dispatches nonartifact creatures. Though it doesn’t provide the additional card draw that Slice from the Shadows does, its lower cost makes it a viable alternative in certain decks. Comparatively, Doom Blade also presents itself as a cost-effective removal spell but carries a restriction, being unable to destroy black creatures, unlike the broader reach of Slice from the Shadows.

Ultimately, Slice from the Shadows stands out by offering both creature removal and card-drawing capabilities in a single package, which can be highly advantageous for players looking to maintain card advantage while controlling the board.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Slice from the Shadows by color, type and mana cost

Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Touch of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Deathlace - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Songs of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Vendetta - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Surgical Extraction - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Touch of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Deathlace - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Songs of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Vendetta - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Surgical Extraction - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Slice from the Shadows. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form86#CS
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro StandardWHITE - SAT - 12PM - Chicago Standard Cup
Dimir TerrorDimir Terror PauperDimir ControlSpirit of Pauper #5

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Delving into the strategic depths of Slice from the Shadows, the card provides an edge by offering a potential swing in card parity. The nifty ability to neutralize threats directly translates to preserving your hand while depleting an opponent’s resources, a move that can tilt the scales in your favor over the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does Slice from the Shadows dispose of threats, it effortlessly paves the way for smoother gameplay by granting you access to additional resources. This can be instrumental in accelerating your game plan, allowing you to deploy more impactful plays sooner than expected and catching adversaries off-guard.

Instant Speed: The real treat lies in its instant speed capability, offering the luxury of flexibility to wait out your opponent’s turn. This ensures you’re never committing too early, holding off until the most opportune moment to disrupt their strategy. It’s a tactical advantage that keeps opponents guessing and affords you the upper hand in the duel of wits and timing inherent to MTG.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside to Slice from the Shadows is that casting it necessitates discarding a card. This additional cost might not always be feasible, particularly in situations where your hand is already stretched thin or the strategy relies heavily on card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The card has a very particular mana cost that can be restrictive. It demands a blend of black and generic mana, making it less versatile and harder to fit into a multicolored deck that might not always have the requisite mana sources readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Slice from the Shadows has its strategic uses, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other cards with similar effects. Players may be hesitant to include it in their decks when alternatives could allow them to maintain tempo or deploy other tactics for less mana, offering a more cost-effective approach to achieving their game plan.


Reasons to Include Slice from the Shadows in Your Collection

Versatility: Slice from the Shadows proves its adaptability by fitting seamlessly into various black decks that thrive on removal spells. It offers the duality of targeting creatures while potentially gaining card advantage.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on death triggers or graveyard mechanics, amplifying the value of each creature’s demise and paving the way for powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-heavy strategies are common, Slice from the Shadows can become a key card, allowing you to disrupt your opponent’s board presence and maintain control of the game.


How to beat

Slice from the Shadows is a card that, in the context of Magic: The Gathering, can pose quite the challenge. It generally operates by weakening an opponent’s creatures, imposing a countdown on their effectiveness while generating incremental advantages for the player who casts it. The key to countering this card lies in being proactive and versatile.

To get ahead of this card, one strategy focuses on using spell counters. Effectively countering Slice from the Shadows before it even touches the battlefield removes its threat entirely. Alternatively, utilizing spells or abilities that grant hexproof or protection to your creatures can safeguard them from being targeted by such debilitating effects.

Another approach to combat Slice from the Shadows is to employ a more aggressive playstyle. By putting pressure on your adversary early in the game, you can minimize the impact of their removal spells. Keeping the creature count low on your side can also be beneficial since Slice from the Shadows loses value without multiple targets. In any case, flexibility and anticipation are crucial when dealing with such devious enchantments on the board.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Slice from the Shadows MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Slice from the Shadows and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Slice from the Shadows Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 3012015NormalBlackThea Dumitriu
22024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 1032015NormalBlackLie Setiawan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Slice from the Shadows has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal