Tethered Skirge MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Imp
Abilities	Flying
Released	1999-02-15
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Legacy
Set code	ULG
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	70
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Brian Snõddy

Key Takeaways

Skirge’s draining attack can disrupt opponents and offer indirect card advantage in MTG matches.
Its flying trait and life-drain ability fosters instant speed responses, adding battlefield flexibility.
However, the discard cost and black mana requirement limit its deck compatibility and utility.

Text of card

Flying Whenever Tethered Skirge becomes the target of a spell or ability, lose 1 life.

It bites the hand that leads it.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tethered Skirge offers a unique blend of life gain and potential card advantage. Each life point drained from the opponent when Tethered Skirge deals damage can translate into an indirect card advantage, especially if it disrupts the opponent’s strategy or forces them to react, possibly expending more resources to handle this threat.

Resource Acceleration: While Tethered Skirge itself doesn’t directly generate mana, the life drained from the opponent can be a resourceful cushion, giving players more leeway in utilizing their life total for various effects and spells that require life payments, thereby indirectly accelerating their resource utility.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, the flying ability of Tethered Skirge allows it to effectively dodge sorcery-speed removal and be a subtle threat that remains untapped, ready to block or capitalize on open opportunities. It plays well in a strategy that values the flexibility to respond at instant speed with other cards in the deck.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Tethered Skirge can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. This card asks for a hefty price upon entry: you must let go of another card from your hand. For players running lean on cards, this discard demand can strain your game plan, leaving you potentially vulnerable and with fewer options to react to your opponent’s moves.

Specific Mana Cost: Crafting the perfect mana base for a deck is an art, and Tethered Skirge insists on a particular kind. The casting cost requires black mana, which pigeonholes the card into black-centric or multicolored decks. If your lands don’t line up or if you’re running a deck without black mana, the Skirge remains out of reach, stuck in your hand until you draw into the right mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Mana efficiency is key in MTG, and Tethered Skirge’s cost is significant when pitted against its capabilities. With alternatives in the pool that may offer similar or better effects for less mana, players may second-guess including it in their build. This can often lead to the Skirge being benched in favor of cards that balance cost with impact more favorably, particularly in fast-paced matches where every mana point counts.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tethered Skirge is a flexible card that can be a good fit in a variety of decks, especially those that seek to capitalize on life point exchanges or need an evasive creature. Its ability to fly makes it a consistent threat in the air.

Combo Potential: This card has the potential to create synergies with other cards that benefit from life payment mechanics or use life as a resource to power their abilities, further enhancing strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: With many players looking for cost-effective creatures that can serve multiple roles, Tethered Skirge’s low casting cost and adaptable nature can provide an edge in various competitive environments.

How to beat

Tethered Skirge brings an interesting dynamic to player life totals in Magic: The Gathering. The card, with its life-stealing abilities, can be challenging to play against. Yet, the key to beating this card lies in disrupting its life link feature or removing it from play before its impact becomes too significant.

Tools such as creature removal, enchantment-based restrictions, or direct damage spells are highly effective. Targeted removal spells like Murder or Doom Blade can swiftly eliminate the Tethered Skirge from the battlefield. Moreover, spells that can bypass creature defenses, such as those that can’t be countered or those with exile effects, are also extremely potent against this life-draining creature.

Evaluating the options, smart and timely removal is the optimal strategy to negate Tethered Skirge’s effect on the game. Utilizing instant spells that can respond to its casting or activation will keep pressure on your opponent while maintaining your life total. Consequently, your ability to adaptively manage your removal resources will secure your advantage over the Tethered Skirge’s potential threat.

Cards like Tethered Skirge

Tethered Skirge stands out within the pantheon of lifelink creatures in Magic: The Gathering. A closer look at its counterparts, such as Vampire Nighthawk, reveals that while both have the coveted lifelink ability, the Nighthawk comes with additional flying and deathtouch. Tethered Skirge, however, forgoes these for a leaner casting cost, promoting an aggressive early game presence.

Another peer in this sphere is Gifted Aetherborn, which, much like Vampire Nighthawk, is a black creature with deathtouch and lifelink. But this time, Tethered Skirge’s potential for color flexibility due to its phyrexian mana cost provides an edge for non-monoblack decks. Yet, the Aetherborn’s firmer stat line might appeal to players looking for stout defense.

While evaluating options, Tethered Skirge can be a strategic choice for players who prioritize speed and adaptability. Its unique mana cost allows for an early and diverse play, which can be crucial for decks that aim to maintain pressure and versatility on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Tethered Skirge by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tethered Skirge MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy, 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 Tethered Skirge and other MTG cards: