Shrewd Hatchling MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elemental
Power 6
Toughness 6

Key Takeaways

  1. Shrewd Hatchling can become a major force by shedding counters with blue or red spells and targeted spells.
  2. Its flexible early mana cost allows for diversified play, setting up a strong presence without high investment.
  3. Instants can unexpectedly boost the Hatchling, making it both a defensive and offensive asset in matches.

Text of card

Shrewd Hatchling comes into play with four -1/-1 counters on it. {UR}: Target creature can't block Shrewd Hatchling this turn. Whenever you play a blue spell, remove a -1/-1 counter from Shrewd Hatchling. Whenever you play a red spell, remove a -1/-1 counter from Shrewd Hatchling.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shrewd Hatchling comes equipped with the potential to become an overwhelming board presence. When used effectively, its ability to grow by removing -1/-1 counters not only when you cast a blue or red spell but also whenever it becomes the target of any spell, can turn it into a formidable creature. This offers a strategic edge, keeping your opponent’s resources stretched thin as they attempt to handle an increasingly dangerous threat.

Resource Acceleration: Although Shrewd Hatchling itself does not directly accelerate resources, its low initial casting cost affords you the flexibility to utilize mana for other pivotal plays in the early game. As the Hatchling evolves, it does so without additional mana investment, freeing your resources to control the game’s tempo or establish a defensive setup while your creature grows.

Instant Speed: Shrewd Hatchling can benefit from spells cast at instant speed. Instant speed interaction is key to MTG strategy, ensuring that you can react to opponents’ moves during their turn and surprise them with an ever-growing threat. Casting spells at instant speed to remove -1/-1 counters from the Hatchling allows you to strengthen your creature and often dissuade attackers, bolstering your defensive position while conserving your crucial plays for the right moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shrewd Hatchling requires you to strategize your hand carefully, considering it gets stronger by casting blue or red spells. It might compel you to discard cards you would rather retain to unlock its full potential, a limitation if your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: This card calls for a particular blend of mana—both blue and red—to play it on the battlefield. This requirement can be restrictive because it doesn’t easily slot into a variety of decks unless they specifically cater to a blue-red strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana value of four and the need to play additional spells to remove -1/-1 counters and power it up, Shrewd Hatchling can be less mana-efficient compared to other creatures that provide immediate impact or have built-in growth potential without additional spell casting.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The adaptability of Shrewd Hatchling makes it a solid choice for any collection. It can thrive in decks that are focused on manipulating +1/+1 counters or those that play with multicolor spell synergies.

Combo Potential: With the ability to grow stronger whenever you play a blue or red spell, Shrewd Hatchling works seamlessly within combos that aim to cast numerous spells in a single turn, empowering the hatchling to become a formidable threat quickly.

Meta-Relevance: Given that many players in the current meta enjoy utilizing creature-based tactics, Shrewd Hatchling’s built-in mechanism to reduce damage from red spells or gain evasion with blue ones can prove quite impactful on the battlefield.


How to beat Shrewd Hatchling

Shrewd Hatchling is a unique creature in MTG, blending both aggression and gradual power growth. Initially, its strength lies in its Bloodthirst ability, which allows it to come into play with additional counters if an opponent was dealt damage this turn. The counters can then be removed as it grows more formidable with every blue or red spell cast. As such, playing against it requires a strategic approach.

To effectively counter Shrewd Hatchling, it’s important to restrict its growth. This means avoiding damage before it enters the battlefield to limit its Bloodthirst advantage. Direct removal spells are particularly effective; spells like Path to Exile or Doom Blade can handle the creature before its power becomes a threat. Enchantment-based removal like Pacifism or Journey to Nowhere can also neutralize the hatchling without having to trigger its ability, as they do not involve casting a red or blue spell.

Understanding the hatchling’s mechanics is key—prevent it from growing and remove it swiftly with the right spells. By managing these two aspects, you can ensure that Shrewd Hatchling never reaches its full potential on the battlefield and maintain control of the game.


Cards like Shrewd Hatchling

Shrewd Hatchling is a card that brings interesting interactions to the table in Magic: The Gathering. When drawing parallels with other cards, we can look at Rage Nimbus which is also a creature with a variable power mechanic. However, unlike Shrewd Hatchling, which can grow more powerful each time you cast a red or blue spell, Rage Nimbus doesn’t increase in power but does have the unique ability to force opponent creatures into combat.

Another card to consider in relation to Shrewd Hatchling is Nivmagus Elemental. Both creatures thrive on spell casting, but Nivmagus Elemental has an ability that lets you exile a spell you control to place two +1/+1 counters on it, leading to potentially quicker growth. This, however, comes at the cost of the exiled spell’s effects.

In reflection, Shrewd Hatchling holds its ground with its own unique potential for growth and control, aligning well among creatures that interact with spells being cast. Its growing threat on the board, alongside the ability to weaken opponents’ creatures, certainly gives it a strategic edge in the MTG arena.

Rage Nimbus - MTG Card versions
Nivmagus Elemental - MTG Card versions
Rage Nimbus - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Nivmagus Elemental - Return to Ravnica (RTR)

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Emberwilde Caliph - MTG Card versions
Elemental Expressionist - MTG Card versions
Torrent Sculptor // Flamethrower Sonata - MTG Card versions
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Tibor and Lumia - MTG Card versions
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Emberwilde Caliph - Mirage (MIR)
Elemental Expressionist - Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos (PSTX)
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Galazeth Prismari - Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos (PSTX)
Torch Drake - Guildpact (GPT)
Steamcore Weird - Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari (DDJ)
Tibor and Lumia - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Fluxcharger - Dragon's Maze (DGM)
Dack's Duplicate - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Scaldkin - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
Reclusive Artificer - The List (PLST)
Mizzix of the Izmagnus - Commander Masters (CMM)
Mercurial Geists - Shadows over Innistrad Remastered (SIR)
Stormchaser Chimera - Conspiracy: Take the Crown (CN2)
Marauding Looter - Ixalan (XLN)
Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain - The Brothers' War Commander (BRC)
Crackling Drake - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Ral's Staticaster - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)
Loch Dragon - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
The Fifteenth Doctor - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shrewd Hatchling MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari, 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 Shrewd Hatchling and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shrewd Hatchling Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Carl Frank.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-07-25EventideEVE 1122003normalblackCarl Frank
22012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 82003normalblackCarl Frank
32015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1982015normalblackCarl Frank
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15332015normalblackCarl Frank
52020-09-26The ListPLST MM2-1982015normalblackCarl Frank

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shrewd Hatchling has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2008-08-01 If there are no -1/-1 counters on it when the triggered ability resolves, the ability does nothing. There is no penalty for not being able to remove a counter.
2008-08-01 If you cast a spell that’s both of the listed colors, both abilities will trigger. You’ll remove a total of two -1/-1 counters from the Hatchling.

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