Spitting Slug MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 88
2006-10-06 - Number 85
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Slug |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
o1oo G Spitting Slug gains first strike until end of turn. If this ability is not activated, all creatures blocking or blocked by Spitting Slug gain first strike until end of turn.
Cards like Spitting Slug
The Spitting Slug is an intriguing creature from the earlier sets of Magic: The Gathering, sharing features common to creatures with defensive abilities. When comparing Spitting Slug to its contemporaries, such as Thicket Basilisk, both have the power to alter the flow of combat, compelling opponents to consider their attacks carefully. Thicket Basilisk destroys any non-wall creature it blocks or becomes blocked by, much like the threat posed by the slug’s ability to potentially decimate an attacker.
Equally noteworthy is Giant Spider, which offers a substantial defensive body with reach, allowing it to block creatures with flying. While it doesn’t possess the offensive deterrent of the Spitting Slug, its utility in defense provides a solid comparison. The trade-off between having an inherent ability to threaten attackers or having a reliable airborne defense showcases the unique strengths each creature brings to a player’s deck.
In essence, the Spitting Slug sits well within Magic: The Gathering’s array of creatures that influence combat decisions, boasting a capability to dominate in both offense and defense. Its unique blend of abilities gives it a space in decks aimed at controlling the battlefield and outmaneuvering opponents through strategic creature combat.
Cards similar to Spitting Slug by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While not directly providing card draw, Spitting Slug offers versatility on the board that can indirectly lead to card advantage. It poses a threat that often requires an answer, potentially consuming more of an opponent’s resources than it cost you to play.
Resource Acceleration: Spitting Slug itself does not accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing extra mana. However, its mere presence can protect your more valuable creatures or your life total, allowing you to deploy other resource-accelerating assets safely.
Instant Speed: The Spitting Slug’s activated ability to gain first strike until end of turn can be used at instant speed. This gives you the flexibility to adapt during combat on your opponent’s turn, potentially invalidating their attack strategies and preserving your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in battle with Spitting Slug requires you to make a decision each time it becomes the target of a spell or ability. You must discard a card, a requirement that can leave you at a disadvantage when your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Spitting Slug demands a precise mix of mana for casting — one green and two of any color. While it fits easily into mono-green decks, it might not be as seamlessly integrated into multicolored decks that demand efficient mana management.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an additional requirement to achieve its full potential in combat, Spitting Slug’s cost is relatively high, especially when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that could offer immediate impact without additional investments.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spitting Slug provides a unique defensive option that can adapt to different game situations. Its ability to gain first strike makes it a flexible blocker against an array of attacking creatures.
Combo Potential: This card has interesting interactions in decks that manipulate the abilities of creatures. For example, combining it with cards that untap creatures can give you a repeating first-strike defender each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where ground-based aggressive strategies are prevalent, Spitting Slug can serve as a deterrent, discouraging opponents from attacking or forcing them to deal with it before committing to a full assault.
How to beat
Spitting Slug is a unique creature card that has a niche role in the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem. Known for its ability to become a troublesome blocker thanks to its upkeep ability, which grants it first strike until end of turn, it presents an interesting challenge. Players facing the Slug must navigate its variable defense to come out ahead.
When planning to tackle the Spitting Slug, keep in mind flexibility is key. Cards that can remove creatures without having to engage in combat, such as direct removal spells, can bypass its combat trickery entirely. Consider spells like Doom Blade or Unmake, which can dispatch the Slug regardless of its first strike capability. Moreover, spells that can deal damage directly to a player, circumventing creatures entirely, can also be effective.
In essence, to outmaneuver Spitting Slug’s defense mechanism, redirect your strategy to utilize non-combat solutions or spells that can deal with creatures without triggering its abilities. By prioritizing removal or redirection, you can maintain board control and press your advantage without getting bogged down by this quirky slug’s defenses.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spitting Slug MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Time Spiral Timeshifted, 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 Spitting Slug and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Spitting Slug Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2006-10-06. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 88 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 2 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 85 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spitting Slug has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |