Razor Swine MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Boar
Abilities	First strike,Infect
Released	2011-05-13
Set symbol
Set name	New Phyrexia
Set code	NPH
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	92
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dave Allsop

Key Takeaways

Razor Swine’s infect ability grants indirect card advantage by reducing opponents’ creature counts.
Instant speed spells enhance Razor Swine’s combat impact, compensating for its weaknesses.
Strategic play and high toughness creatures can effectively neutralize the Razor Swine threat.

Text of card

First strike Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.)

"They aren't helping the forges. Send them to the surface." —Furnace boss, sector 12

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Razor Swine’s infect ability can potentially lead to a form of indirect card advantage. By placing -1/-1 counters on creatures through damage, it can remove an opponent’s creatures without spending additional cards, effectively diminishing their board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While Razor Swine itself does not directly accelerate resources, its presence can streamline your strategy. The threat of infect counters may deter opponents from deploying their best creatures, thus conserving your resources for more crucial confrontations or board development.

Instant Speed: Razor Swine may not have instant speed, but it synergizes well with spells of such velocity. Casting combat tricks or removals at instant speed can clear the path for its infect damage, thereby enhancing its potential impact during the combat phase.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players using Razor Swine need to be conscious of its Phyrexian mana cost, which, while versatile, can lead to life loss if not handled with care. This additional cost can put you at a disadvantage if you’re also facing aggressive strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: While Razor Swine offers flexibility with its Phyrexian mana, decks that are heavy in colors other than red may find its red mana cost limiting. This can affect the card’s inclusion in multi-colored or non-red decks, restricting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one that is color-specific, Razor Swine is competing with other three-drops that might bring more immediate board impact or value. It can be less appealing considering the card’s power-to-cost ratio.

Reasons to Include Razor Swine in Your Collection

Versatility: Razor Swine brings a unique blend of aggression and defense to the table, fitting seamlessly into red-based decks that appreciate creatures with infect. Its ability to potentially deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters makes it a threat against both players and creatures.

Combo Potential: With first strike and infect, Razor Swine can be a key component in combos that aim to quickly distribute poison counters to an opponent. When paired with cards that increase power or provide additional combat phases, this pig can swiftly escalate into a formidable opponent.

Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in every meta, Razor Swine’s presence can be impactful in games where infect strategies have a place. As the game develops, it can catch an unprepared opponent off-guard and serve as an efficient means to close out games against certain deck archetypes.

How to beat

Razor Swine stands out in MTG as a creature with the unique combination of first strike and infect abilities, offering an offensive edge in the Phyrexian lineup. This porcine menace may appear daunting, especially when it inflicts not just damage but poisonous counters that can rapidly end a game. Yet, there are tactics to effectively counter this threat.

To mitigate the risk Razor Swine poses, it’s wise to include creatures with high toughness to absorb its initial strike without succumbing, as its 1 toughness is its Achilles’ heel, making it vulnerable to almost any damage. Enchantment removal plays a crucial role too, as Razor Swine relies heavily on equipment and auras to become a significant threat. Flying creatures also provide a strategic advantage, soaring over this ground-bound swine with ease. Strategic blocking and using instant-speed removal spells when the opponent attempts to enhance the Razor Swine with buffs can also turn the tides in your favor. The key is to understand that Razor Swine’s power lies in its infect ability, so prioritizing its removal or neutralization before it can land a blow is fundamental to maintaining control of the game.

Taking these strategies into account will help you maintain dominance on the battlefield and ensure that Razor Swine does not become the harbinger of your defeat in your next MTG duel.

Cards like Razor Swine

Razor Swine stands out in the Magic: The Gathering realm with its signature combination of infect and first strike. Comparing it to cards like Plague Stinger, another infect creature, highlights its unique offer in the Phyrexian lineup. Plague Stinger brings flying to the table, allowing for aerial attacks, albeit with a weaker strength. Razor Swine, in contrast, has a stronger power of 2 – making it more intimidating in ground combat but without the evasion provided by flying.

Examining Cystbearer gives a different perspective. It shares the infect ability but lacks first strike; however, it compensates with a higher toughness. This makes Cystbearer more resilient against damage, whereas Razor Swine can deal its contagious counters faster by striking first in battle. Ichorclaw Myr is another interesting comparison. Smaller and less powerful at first glance, the Myr’s strength lies in its potential to deter blockers, as it grows in power when it becomes the target of a block.

Ultimately, each creature has its strategic role, but Razor Swine carves out its niche by striking a balance between offensive potential and threatening capabilities among its brethren in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to deal damage quickly and spread -1/-1 counters efficiently cannot be overlooked.

Cards similar to Razor Swine by color, type and mana cost

Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions

Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions

Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions

Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions

Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Razor Swine MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia, 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 Razor Swine and other MTG cards: