Viashino Sandscout MTG Card
1999-02-15 - Number 96
2007-07-13 - Number 246★
2007-07-13 - Number 246
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Viashino Scout |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Viashino Sandscout is unaffected by summoning sickness. At end of turn, return Viashino Sandscout to owner's hand.
Cards like Viashino Sandscout
Viashino Sandscout is an intriguing creature card that finds its place among the pantheon of quick and aggressive red spells in MTG. It bears a resemblance to cards like Goblin Shortcutter or Raging Goblin with its potential for immediate impact on the battlefield. Yet the Sandscout carries a unique trait that sets it apart – it bounces back to a player’s hand at the beginning of the next end step whenever it’s cast.
Similar cards like Ember Hauler also provide a short burst of power, however, they do not share the Sandscout’s quasi-ephemeral presence on the field. This can be an advantage as it mitigates some of the risks of board wipes and adds a recurrent threat from the hand. In contrast, the Jackal Pup is another creature which offers impressive damage output for low mana cost, yet lacks the bounce-back mechanism, leaving it more vulnerable to removal.
Thus, when evaluating the nuances of early-game pressure tools in an aggressive MTG deck, Viashino Sandscout does offer a distinct blend of aggression and resilience. For players looking to adopt a hit-and-run strategy, this could be an incredibly useful addition to their arsenal.
Cards similar to Viashino Sandscout by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Viashino Sandscout doesn’t provide direct card drawing but effectively returns to your hand at the beginning of the next end step, which can keep your hand filled and your options open for subsequent turns.
Resource Acceleration: While the Viashino Sandscout itself doesn’t accelerate resources in the form of mana, its return-to-hand ability makes it a recurring threat that can be replayed, thus conserving the resources in your hand and maintaining pressure on the board without requiring additional card resources.
Instant Speed: Even though the Viashino Sandscout is not an instant, its repeatable nature allows it to synergize well with instant speed spells. By ensuring that you have a creature to play each turn, you can effectively keep mana available for instant speed interactions during your opponent’s turn without falling behind on board presence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Viashino Sandscout doesn’t directly require a discard, but its return-to-hand mechanic might force you to discard if played at the end of your turn with a full hand, putting you in a less than ideal situation.
Specific Mana Cost: The Sandscout requires one red mana, which could restrict deck-building options. If your deck isn’t designed to consistently produce red mana, including it could lead to a color-screwed scenario.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a 2/1 haste for two mana sounds reasonable, the card’s transient board presence detracts from its overall value. There are other creatures in the game offering a permanent presence on the battlefield for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Viashino Sandscout in Your Collection
Versatility: Viashino Sandscout is not limited to a single deck archetype. Its haste ability allows for immediate impact on the board, making it a suitable choice for aggressive and tempo-based decks alike.
Combo Potential: The return-to-hand mechanic at the beginning of the end step offers intriguing combo possibilities. For instance, it can be leveraged with cards that grant benefits each time a creature is cast or with various bounce and sacrifice effects.
Meta-Relevance: Particularly in a game environment favoring quick, decisive plays, Viashino Sandscout’s swift strikes can consistently apply pressure, keeping opponents on the defensive. Its capability to evade certain sorcery-speed removal tactics keeps it persistently relevant.
How to beat
Viashino Sandscout is a classic Agile creature in the MTG universe. Renowned for its haste, it allows for swift attacks, the moment it lands on the battlefield. Facing a deck capitalizing on such rapid strike cards requires a calculated defense strategy.
To counter the Sandscout’s blitz, consider safeguarding your life total with early blockers or removal spells that can act in a pinch. Cheap spells like Shock or Fatal Push can be particularly efficient in removing a Viashino Sandscout before it has the chance to deal damage. Investing in creature abilities such as reach or flash also provides surprise defensive alternatives that can keep the Sandscout at bay.
Avoiding the recurring onslaught of the Sandscout entails understanding its bounce-back mechanism. This creature returns to the owner’s hand at the beginning of the end step on the turn it’s played; thus, instant timing is crucial. Control the pace and exploit its predictable patterns, and you’ll find the Viashino Sandscout becomes less of a threat to your game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Viashino Sandscout MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Tenth Edition, 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 Viashino Sandscout 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
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Printings
The Viashino Sandscout Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-02-15 | Urza's Legacy | ULG | 96 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 246★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 246 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Viashino Sandscout has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Viashino Sandscout card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It is returned to its owner’s hand at the end of turn only if it is on the battlefield. |