Pygmy Giant MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Giant
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Power	0
Toughness	2
Number	85
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Eric Deschamps
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Pygmy Giant offers card advantage by converting low-impact creatures into potential game-changers.
Instant speed activation allows for flexible responses to opponents’ actions during gameplay.
While it enables strategic play, incoming card discard and mana specificity are notable constraints.

Text of card

, , Sacrifice a creature: Pygmy Giant deals X damage to target creature, where X is a number in the sacrificed creature's text box.

"487. You're welcome." —Bucky, flavor text writer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The unique ability of the Pygmy Giant lets you stay ahead in the game by effectively converting underperforming creatures into a new card, thereby keeping your hand replenished.

Resource Acceleration: One underappreciated aspect of this card is its potential for resource acceleration. By sacrificing smaller creatures, which may be plentiful in your strategy, you potentially dig for more impactful spells or creatures to swing the game in your favor.

Instant Speed: The Pygmy Giant’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, providing strategic flexibility. Respond to your opponent’s moves by sacking a creature and possibly uncovering a solution from your deck, all without having to wait for your own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pygmy Giant comes with an additional cost that may not always work to your advantage. In order to activate its ability, you must discard a creature card, which could deplete your hand and decrease your potential plays, especially in a tight game where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Pygmy Giant requires two red mana to cast. This specific mana requirement means that it’s most suitable for mono-red or red-heavy decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types that may not run red mana as prevalently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its intriguing ability to throw creatures for damage, Pygmy Giant’s three-mana cost can be a bit steep considering the setup required to optimize its use. For the same cost, you might find other creatures or spells that offer immediate impact without the need for additional card sacrifices.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Pygmy Giant can find a home in various EDH decks that cherish flexibility. Its ability to fling small creatures for indirect damage makes it a fringe player in both aggressive red builds and quirky combo decks that aim to manipulate and exploit every available resource.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that summon token creatures or those that have dying triggers, Pygmy Giant shines. By turning expendable creatures into direct damage, it allows for some intriguing synergies that can unexpectedly turn the tides of a game.

Meta-Relevance: In a landscape where utility and adaptability can define victory, a card like Pygmy Giant can be particularly useful. It’s well-suited for matches that demand clever and unorthodox tactics to overcome more traditional strategies.

How to beat

Pygmy Giant offers a unique challenge on the battlefield. Its ability to throw creatures for damage pits it against other tactical options in MTG. When facing this card, your goal is to limit the supply of small creatures for it to throw. Cards like Tormod’s Crypt can exile creatures from the graveyard before they are reclaimed, preventing repeated use. Keeping the board clear with removal spells also ensures that the Pygmy Giant has nothing to toss your way.

Playing against the Pygmy Giant also requires an assessment of your deck’s creature base. Opting for creatures with higher toughness can make them poor targets for the Giant’s ability. Similarly, employing cards with hexproof or shroud protects your creatures from being targeted, thereby neutralizing this threat. You might also consider including countermeasures in your deck, like instant-speed removal spells that can respond to Pygmy Giant’s activations, turning its strength into a liability.

Ultimately, understanding the ins and outs of how the Pygmy Giant interacts with various elements of the game will be your key to outmaneuvering opponents who wield this quirky card. Adaptability and strategic foresight go a long way in ensuring that this Giant doesn’t become a stumbling block in your path to victory in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pygmy Giant MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged, 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 Pygmy Giant and other MTG cards: