Watchwing Scarecrow MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Scarecrow
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Power	2
Toughness	4
Number	268
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Chuck Lukacs

Key Takeaways

Its ability to attract removal spells can be leveraged to protect more crucial creatures on the field.
Watchwing Scarecrow’s size relative to its cost can advance board presence early in the game.
Strategic deck-building around its unique attributes can magnify its value in specific scenarios.

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.

Text of card

Watchwing Scarecrow has vigilance as long as you control a white creature. Watchwing Scarecrow has flying as long as you control a blue creature.

The wings are held in place by wicker rods. The rods are held in place by pure faith.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Watchwing Scarecrow is a versatile inclusion in many decks potentially contributing to your card advantage. Its existence on the board can force your opponent to deal with it, often costing them a removal spell, thus preserving other valuable creatures in your hand or on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Although Watchwing Scarecrow does not directly accelerate resources, its relatively low casting cost for its size can help establish a presence on the board more quickly. This efficiency can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by requiring opponents to use additional resources to handle it.

Instant Speed: While Watchwing Scarecrow is a creature and not castable at instant speed, it can be strategically placed in decks that benefit from creatures with flash or those that can bypass summoning sickness, thus mimicking the benefits of instant speed interaction in certain circumstances.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Watchwing Scarecrow doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded outright; however, it does come with its own set of limitations that might make it less appealing in some decks. Being mindful of hand resources is necessary for optimizing its utilization.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a combination of specific mana to cast, the Watchwing Scarecrow may not fit seamlessly into all deck types, especially those that are mana-flexible or multicolored, potentially hindering its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it occupies the four-mana slot, it’s crucial to assess the opportunity cost. When considering the Watchwing Scarecrow for that cost, you might find other creatures or spells that provide more immediate impact or stronger synergies within your deck.

Reasons to Include Watchwing Scarecrow in Your Collection

Versatility: Watchwing Scarecrow is a card that can find its place in a variety of decks. Its flexible color-identity allows it to adapt to multiple strategies, be it in Artifact-themed, flying-centric, or even scarecrow tribal decks. It’s a worthwhile addition for players who value adaptive gameplay.

Combo Potential: When paired with other cards that care about creature types or flying abilities, Watchwing Scarecrow can become a cornerstone for executing powerful combos. Its synergy with cards that benefit from non-human creatures or those that utilize scarecrows can unlock new levels of strategic play.

Meta-Relevance: In a game scenario where flying creatures or artifact strategies are dominant, Watchwing Scarecrow can serve as an effective counter or enhancer. The ability to fit in multiple roles makes it relevant in the evolving meta, helping players stay competitive.

How to beat

Understanding your opponent’s cards is key to victory in Magic: The Gathering and Watchwing Scarecrow presents a unique challenge. This artifact creature comes with built-in versatility, changing power and toughness with the time of day. During the day, it’s a defensive wall with a sturdy toughness. But as the sun sets, it morphs into a more aggressive force with increased power.

Overcoming this day-night mechanic requires strategic timing. Holding up removal when the scarecrow switches to its more vulnerable state at day lets you bypass its higher nighttime power. Alternatively, direct damage spells can circumvent the need to engage in combat with it entirely. Playing creatures with flying or reach also gives you an aerial advantage, enabling you to bypass the scarecrow’s ground-bound limitations.

Moreover, playing enchantments or artifacts that restrict the activation of abilities can render Watchwing Scarecrow quite harmless. Understanding when to deploy your answers against this versatile foe can ensure it never gets the chance to utilize its day-night potential to the fullest. Always be mindful of the changing battlefield and adapt your tactics accordingly.

Cards like Watchwing Scarecrow

Watchwing Scarecrow stands out in the roster of artifact creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This particular card draws a parallel with Scuttlemutt, as both serve as mana filters allowing you to convert one type of mana into another. However, Watchwing Scarecrow brings an additional layer to the table with its situational power and toughness boost that hinges on the colors of permanents you control, setting it flexibly apart from its counterpart.

Much like Watchwing Scarecrow, Alloy Myr serves the role of a mana producer. While Alloy Myr is consistent in its ability to provide one mana of any color, it doesn’t share the capacity to adjust its power or toughness based on other card’s attributes. On the other hand, Opaline Unicorn is another parallel, offering mana filtering but without the potential for a power increase and, thus, doesn’t quite match the adaptability that Watchwing Scarecrow can display in a multicolored setup.

Evaluating these comparisons shows that while there are other cards that function similarly in terms of mana production and filtering, the utility of Watchwing Scarecrow can be uniquely beneficial in the right deck, particularly one that harnesses a variety of colors to capitalize on its adaptable nature.

Cards similar to Watchwing Scarecrow by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Watchwing Scarecrow MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Watchwing Scarecrow and other MTG cards: