Skeletal Crocodile MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Crocodile Skeleton
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Portal
Set code	POR
Power	5
Toughness	1
Number	110
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mike Dringenberg

Key Takeaways

Skeletal Crocodile’s board presence can indirectly lead to card advantage by managing threats efficiently.
It smoothly fits into a mana curve, indirectly accelerating the deployment of other deck cards.
Despite lacking instant speed, it works well with decks that benefit from instant interactions.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skeletal Crocodile may not directly provide card advantage, but as a creature, it can influence the board state positively. Its presence alone can deter opponents from attacking and, over time, can contribute to achieving incremental card advantage by dealing with multiple threats.

Resource Acceleration: While Skeletal Crocodile itself doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense, its affordable mana cost allows for a smooth curve out in game play. This can lead to faster deployment of other cards in hand, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The Skeletal Crocodile is a creature and thus, doesn’t have the flexibility of being played at instant speed. However, the strategies involving creatures like it can still benefit from instant speed interactions with other cards in the deck, providing surprise blocks or synergies that can turn the tides of a game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of the Skeletal Crocodile is its prerequisite of discarding a card for certain abilities. This can be a setback for players who are already struggling with a depleted hand size, forcing them to give up potentially crucial resources to get the most out of this creature.

Specific Mana Cost: The Skeletal Crocodile’s effectiveness is also tempered by its strict mana requirement. It necessitates a precise combination of mana types to be cast, which might not always be readily available, especially in multicolored decks that spread their resources across a wider color array.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Furthermore, this creature comes with a relatively steep mana cost considering its overall impact on the game. There are alternative creatures available that can be summoned for less and may provide more utility or power to the player, making the Skeletal Crocodile a less than optimal choice in certain situations or deck builds.

Reasons to Include Skeletal Crocodile in Your Collection

Versatility: Skeletal Crocodile, while seemingly straightforward, is a solid inclusion in decks that can exploit graveyard synergies or need a resilient creature. Its simple setup makes it an easy fit for new players learning the ropes.

Combo Potential: In decks that focus on death-triggered abilities or reanimation strategies, Skeletal Crocodile can serve as an affordable creature to sacrifice or recur, maximizing value from other cards that benefit from such interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment, especially one where longer games dominate, this card’s enduring presence can become an unexpected asset, holding the fort while you set up your winning strategy.

How to beat

Skeletal Crocodile might not be the biggest threat on the battlefield in MTG, but it can present challenges if not dealt with promptly. As a relatively straightforward creature, the Skeletal Crocodile thrives in environments where it can capitalize on its decent power and toughness relative to its casting cost. However, your strategy to overcome this reptilian menace should revolve around neutralizing it before it becomes buffed or used in conjunction with other cards that exploit its presence.

Effective removal spells are your first line of defense. Since the Skeletal Crocodile usually doesn’t have any innate protection abilities, a simple removal spell should suffice to send it back to the graveyard. Cards that deal damage or force the owner to sacrifice a creature are particularly useful. Enchantment-based removal can also be effective as a way to bypass any potential regeneration abilities that may come into play in later turns.

Strategic blocking can also turn the tide. The Skeletal Crocodile’s lack of trample means that even the smallest of creatures can be utilized to block it, containing the damage and stalling for time while you set up a more permanent solution. In summary, while the Skeletal Crocodile has its strengths, well-timed removal and smart blocking strategies can easily curb its impact on the game.

Cards like Skeletal Crocodile

Skeletal Crocodile stands as an intriguing creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering, bearing a resemblance to other four-mana black creatures such as Gloomhunter. Both creatures have flying, an ability that allows them to evade many blockers and press the attack on an opponent. However, Gloomhunter offers the additional benefit of lifelink, providing players with a means to recuperate life as they deal combat damage, a feature the Skeletal Crocodile lacks.

Exploring further comparisons, the Highborn Ghoul is also worth mentioning. Though it demands less mana to play, this creature shares the same power as the Skeletal Crocodile. However, it offers only two toughness compared to the Crocodile’s impressive four. This difference underscores the Crocodile’s resilience on the battlefield, capable of weathering damage that would destroy lesser creatures.

When weighing the utility and robustness of different creatures, Skeletal Crocodile holds its own within its mana range, particularly for players looking to solidify their defensive line while maintaining a capable offensive force.

Cards similar to Skeletal Crocodile by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skeletal Crocodile MTG card by a specific set like Portal, 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 Skeletal Crocodile and other MTG cards: