Slithering Shade MTG Card

Slithering Shade provides card advantage and pressure, forcing opponents to utilize more resources. Instant speed enhancement gives Slithering Shade an edge, surprising opponents during combat. The necessity of specific mana and discard to attack potentially limits its strategic versatility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Shade
Abilities	Defender,Hellbent
Released	2006-05-05
Set symbol
Set name	Dissension
Set code	DIS
Power	0
Toughness	1
Number	55
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daren Bader

Text of card

Defender (This creature can't attack.) : Slithering Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Hellbent Slithering Shade can attack as though it didn't have defender as long as you have no cards in hand.

Cards like Slithering Shade

Slithering Shade holds a unique position among MTG’s creatures, sharing similarities with several shadow-themed cards. It stands shoulder to shoulder with cards like Lurking Skirge that require specific scenarios for it to transform into a formidable creature. However, Slithering Shade offers a dynamic play with its ability to boost its power albeit at a mana cost for each pump.

When examining Duskwalker, a creature that can also grow stronger with mana investment, we notice Slithering Shade’s higher versatility due to its potential for massive one-turn power increases. Furthermore, in comparison to cards like Drudge Skeletons, which similarly yearn for mana to sustain its presence on the battlefield, Slithering Shade can be more aggressive in its threat level. The Shadow feeds on abundant mana to become a fearsome force, whereas Drudge Skeletons focuses more on resilience and endurance.

Taking these comparisons into account, Slithering Shade can be a valuable asset in decks rich with mana sources. Its capability to scale in power rapidly, can catch opponents unprepared, making it a noteworthy choice for players who favor attack-oriented strategies within the MTG realm.

Cards similar to Slithering Shade by color, type and mana cost

Stone-Throwing Devils - MTG Card versions

Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Slithering Shade offers consistent pressure on the board, encouraging opponents to commit resources to handle it. This often leads to advantageous trades, allowing you to pull ahead in card economy.

Resource Acceleration: As a creature that can be pumped for more power, Slithering Shade can quickly become a significant threat. This forces opponents to potentially spend more resources than they planned on removal, indirectly speeding up the resources you have available for other maneuvers.

Instant Speed: This creature can be enhanced at instant speed, making it a versatile option during combat or in response to your opponent’s actions. This flexibility keeps your opponents guessing and can create favorable outcomes as they may miscalculate the potential for its power increase.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Slithering Shade demands a card to be discarded for it to attack, which might deplete valuable hand resources, especially in the tight situations where every card matters.

Specific Mana Cost: Its activation cost requires black mana, restricting it primarily to mono-black or black-heavy decks, potentially reducing its versatility in a multi-colored strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To fully utilize Slithering Shade’s potential, a significant amount of mana needs to be invested. This cost-intensive process can detract from other plays, making it a less efficient choice in rapid-paced games where mana efficiency is crucial.

Reasons to Include Slithering Shade in Your Collection

Versatility: Slithering Shade offers flexibility in deck building due to its adaptability to different game paces. With the ability to be both a defensive blocker and a formidable attacker, it can fit well into a variety of black-themed decks that harness life drain or sacrifice mechanics.

Combo Potential: This creature’s power boost based on the amount of black mana you spend can become a powerful asset in combination with cards that generate plenty of mana, laying the groundwork for devastating hits. It also opens up synergies with effects amplifying mana availability or cards that benefit from high-power creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where control decks are prevalent, Slithering Shade can serve as a persistent threat that must be answered. Its ability to grow in strength according to the mana invested makes it a card that can scale in threat level throughout the game, staying relevant from early interactions to the final turns.

How to beat

Slithering Shade poses a unique challenge to players looking to maintain control of the battlefield in MTG. This creature card shines in decks that rely on swamps, as its power increases significantly with a high swamp count. When going head to head against Slithering Shade, keep in mind that its strength is also its weakness. Reducing the number of swamps your opponent controls can weaken the Shade, making land destruction or mana disruption strategies particularly effective.

Additionally, Slithering Shade requires mana to attack. Include spells that restrict your opponent’s mana or cards that tap creatures to prevent attacks. Board control with creatures that have deathtouch or that can block and survive the encounter can serve as a deterrent for your opponent to attack with the Shade as well, ultimately protecting your life total and maintaining a tactical advantage. Cards like Doom Blade or other instant-speed removal are ideal for eliminating the Shade before it becomes a problem. Always be ready with a contingency plan when facing a deck that features the Slithering Shade.

By understanding and undermining the synergies that make Slithering Shade formidable, you can confidently secure victory on the battlefield and keep the creeping darkness at bay.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Slithering Shade MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Slithering Shade and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Slithering Shade has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2006-05-01	If you declare Slithering Shade as an attacker, then a card is put into your hand, the Shade won’t be removed from combat. It continues to attack.