Blightwidow MTG Card


Blightwidow - Mirrodin Besieged
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Spider
Abilities Infect,Reach
Released2011-02-04
Set symbol
Set nameMirrodin Besieged
Set codeMBS
Power 2
Toughness 4
Number77
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaniel Ljunggren

Key Takeaways

  1. Blightwidow acts as a robust defender with its reach ability, impeding flying attackers and leading to advantageous trades.
  2. The infect keyword alters gameplay dynamics, letting it deal lasting damage and surprise opponents with sudden shifts.
  3. While powerful, its specific mana needs and casting cost could limit deck options and impact board presence strategies.

Text of card

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.)


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blightwidow stands out not by drawing cards but by offering persistent board presence that requires an answer from opponents. Its reach ability makes it an excellent defensive card, deterring attackers and potentially netting a card’s worth of value by taking down flying creatures.

Resource Acceleration: While Blightwidow itself does not directly accelerate resources, its presence can indirectly contribute to resource advantage by protecting your own life total and other valuable permanents on the battlefield, allowing you to use your mana and other resources more effectively on subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Blightwidow’s ability to impact combat at instant speed comes into play with its Infect keyword. Because of Infect, any damage dealt to creatures or players is done in the form of -1/-1 counters or poison counters, respectively. This creates sudden shifts in board state that can happen out of nowhere, effectively acting at a speed that can catch opponents off guard, much like an Instant.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As Blightwidow hits the battlefield, it doesn’t impose a discard requirement on the player. However, when evaluating its disadvantages, we should focus on its synergy with other cards and potential deck-building constraints. For example, in decks that take advantage of the graveyard, not having a discard feature could be seen as a missed opportunity for strategic setup.

Specific Mana Cost: Blightwidow demands a specific combination of mana types to cast—two colorless and two green mana. This specific mana requirement can restrict its inclusion to decks that can support a heavy green mana base, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Carrying a casting cost of four mana, Blightwidow may compete for a spot with other four-drops in your deck that potentially offer a more impactful presence on the board. While it boasts infect and reach, its 2/4 stats can be overshadowed by other creatures that bring more to the table for the same or a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Blightwidow in Your Collection

Versatility: Blightwidow is a formidable addition to green-based decks, particularly those prioritizing defense. With reach and infect, it’s equipped to manage both flying threats and to contribute to your poison counter offensive.

Combo Potential: If you’re building an infect-centric deck, Blightwidow’s presence enhances this strategy. It can synergize with cards that proliferate or modify counters, multiplying its impact and threat level on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where small creatures and flying strategies are prevalent, Blightwidow serves as a reliable blocker. Its infect ability also bypasses life-based defenses, making it a strategic choice against opponents who rely on high life totals rather than robust board presence.


How to beat

Blightwidow is a creature card that brings resilience and defense to the gameplay with its reach and infect abilities. It can be a formidable blocker for those unprepared, especially to players leveraging flying creatures for advantage. When facing Blightwidow, deeming removal spells essential becomes evident. Cards like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat can efficiently dispose of this arachnid threat without needing to engage in combat.

Another effective strategy is to utilize creature abilities that bypass combat entirely. Cards such as Flame Slash or Skred, offering damage-based solutions, can remove Blightwidow before it has the chance to mount a defense with its infect ability. Additionally, enchantment-based removals such as Pacifism can neutralize Blightwidow, effectively turning off its reach and infect, rendering it harmless.

Overall, a mixed approach using direct removals, damage spells, and enchantments to sidestep its combat abilities can form a well-rounded tactic to beat Blightwidow in a match. Understanding the right cards to counteract it is crucial and ensures players can maintain the upper hand when this creature hits the board.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re fine-tuning your MTG deck, consider the nuanced roles cards like Blightwidow can play. Its ability to act as both a defender and an offensive tool with infect makes it more than just your average creature— it’s a strategic choice for those who value versatility on the battlefield. Whether you’re grappling with flying threats or setting up for a sneaky victory through poison counters, Blightwidow might just be the edge your deck needs. For more insights into optimizing your gameplay and expanding your card knowledge, join our community where mastery is just a click away. Uncover the full potential of your MTG collection now.


Cards like Blightwidow

Blightwidow brings a unique blend of defense and offense to the MTG battlefield. Bearing a resemblance to cards like Giant Spider, Blightwidow also boasts reach, allowing it to block flying creatures. However, Blightwidow steps up the game with infect, endowing it the ability to deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters that can be lethal for both creatures and players alike.

Another comparable card is Spire Serpent, which shares the same mana cost and has a substantial toughness. Yet, Spire Serpent lacks the infect ability, instead it offers the potential for a temporary power boost under specific conditions. Thrummingbird is also worth mentioning in this context; although it’s a smaller creature, its proliferate ability can be a game-changer by enhancing the impact of poison counters already on the opponent, something that pairs well with infect creatures like Blightwidow.

When considering strategic deck building, the versatility and potential for a swift victory that Blightwidow introduces makes it a noteworthy option among its peers, especially in strategies focused on the infect mechanic and controlling the board. Hence, for players keen on leveraging poison counters, Blightwidow is a card that certainly earns its place in the MTG landscape, combining reach and infect in a formidable package.

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Spire Serpent - MTG Card versions
Thrummingbird - MTG Card versions
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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blightwidow MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Blightwidow and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blightwidow has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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