Geist-Fueled Scarecrow MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Scarecrow
Released	2016-07-22
Set symbol
Set name	Eldritch Moon
Set code	EMN
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	196
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Adam Paquette

Key Takeaways

Geist-Fueled Scarecrow is a strategic choice for decks prioritizing defense and creature synergy.
Despite mana specificity and high cost, its benefits can outweigh these downsides in constructed play.
Understanding its mechanics is crucial for effectively integrating or countering this card in a match.

Text of card

Creature spells you cast cost more to cast.

"It'll keep the crows away. Works on neighbors too." —Old Rutstein

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Geist-Fueled Scarecrow doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, but its mere presence can deter opponents from attacking, effectively preserving the cards (and thus advantage) you already have on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While the Geist-Fueled Scarecrow does not directly increase your mana resources, its cost-effective stature in the curve can help in optimizing the use of your mana each turn, potentially leading to surplus mana for other spells.

Instant Speed: Despite being a creature card, the scarecrow’s impact on the board can be quite immediate, resembling instant speed. Once cast, it can instantly change the pace of the game by influencing your opponents’ spell costs, possibly slowing down their strategy and giving you an upper hand.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Geist-Fueled Scarecrow’s utility doesn’t demand a hand reduction, yet one could argue that its presence signals a missed opportunity. In deck construction, choosing this scarecrow often means forgoing alternate cards that could present beneficial trade-offs, such as discarding for a greater advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting Geist-Fueled Scarecrow requires a specific mana investment, which includes one generic and three blue. This specific necessity pinpoints it as a more niche player in decks that can afford this cost without disrupting their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Geist-Fueled Scarecrow might be considered a heavy investment, especially when evaluating its impact on the game state. Other creatures or artifacts available for similar or lesser cost can offer additional abilities or greater power/toughness, making the scarecrow a less tempting option for players building cost-efficient decks.

Reasons to Include Geist-Fueled Scarecrow in Your Collection

Versatility: Geist-Fueled Scarecrow offers diverse functionality, easily slotting into decks that utilize creature-based strategies or those that require a solid defensive presence. Its static power and toughness buff make it a formidable blocker against aggressive opponents, while it remains a serviceable attacking option in a pinch.

Combo Potential: This scarecrow is not just about defense; its presence enhances decks built around creature type synergies. A popular strategy is utilizing its creature type to complement decks centered on tribal themes, such as Scarecrows or artifact creatures, amplifying the collective power of your creatures on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where efficiency is key, Geist-Fueled Scarecrow offers a competitive mana-to-effect ratio. It is especially useful in scenarios where control decks reign supreme, providing a cost-effective creature that demands an answer, while subtly discouraging opponents from overcommitting to the board with its ever-present threat of powering up your other creatures.

How to Beat Geist-Fueled Scarecrow

Geist-Fueled Scarecrow stands out in MTG as a creature card that can be a bit of a puzzle to tackle. It poses a unique challenge with its increased mana cost of noncreature spells, but defeating this card revolves around adaptability and taking advantage of its downside. To beat Geist-Fueled Scarecrow, players should consider employing cost-effective creatures that aren’t affected by its ability. With a steadfast army of creatures already on the battlefield, the Scarecrow’s influence becomes much less intimidating.

Deploying removal spells against Geist-Fueled Scarecrow as soon as it hits the board can also be a solid strategy. This way, your noncreature spell flow remains unobstructed. Consider instant-speed removals that can be used efficiently in response to its casting. Lastly, utilizing deck strategies that emphasize creature-based synergies will naturally circumvent the Scarecrow’s taxing nature. Activate powerful creature abilities or use creatures with built-in removal abilities to maintain control of the game.

Understanding the Scarecrow’s mechanics is key to outmaneuvering it. By fostering a game plan that emphasizes creature play and includes efficient removal options, you can mitigate the impact of this peculiar card and maintain dominance over the battlefield.

Cards like Geist-Fueled Scarecrow

The Geist-Fueled Scarecrow stands as an intriguing creature within the vast array of Magic: The Gathering artifacts. It bears a resemblance to Foundry Screecher, which also gains a substantial power boost under the right conditions. Yet, Geist-Fueled Scarecrow differs by imposing a casting cost increment on creature spells, rather than leveraging the presence of artifacts for power.

Further comparisons can be made with the likes of Watchful Automaton, a construct that permits scrying at the cost of mana. While both cards offer utility, the Scarecrow’s ongoing effect influences the player’s strategy for the entirety of its time on the field. On the contrary, the antiquated ward of the Automaton requires a continual mana investment for each desired scry action.

Analyzing these artifacts showcases Geist-Fueled Scarecrow’s unique position in MTG. While its restriction on creature spell costs might seem limiting, the potential to hamper opponents’ strategies, paired with a generous power and toughness, makes it a card worthy of consideration for midrange decks in the game.

Cards similar to Geist-Fueled Scarecrow by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Geist-Fueled Scarecrow MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon, 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 Geist-Fueled Scarecrow and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Geist-Fueled Scarecrow has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2016-07-13	Abilities that reduce the cost of a spell apply after abilities that raise them. For example, Bedlam Reveler will cost to cast if you have seven instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard while you control Geist-Fueled Scarecrow.
2016-07-13	Geist-Fueled Scarecrow’s ability applies to creature spells even if you’re casting them for an alternative cost (such as that of emerge). If you cast a creature spell without paying its mana cost, you’ll still have to pay .