The Cat's Out of the Bag: Mastering The Infamous Cruelclaw
The Infamous Cruelclaw offers a unique ability that can significantly impact the game. By dealing combat damage, you can potentially dig deep into your library and cast powerful spells at a reduced cost. This can lead to explosive plays and surprising your opponent. However, it's important to note that the card's effectiveness depends on the quality of cards in your library, and cards in hand.
Card Mechanics and Implications
Card Advantage Engine: The Infamous Cruelclaw can be a potent card advantage tool. By exiling cards until you find a nonland card, you're essentially filtering your library. If you manage to find a powerful spell, you can cast it for "free", potentially turning the game in your favor.
Aggro Potential: While primarily a card advantage engine, the Cruelclaw's 3/3 body makes it a decent attacker. In aggressive decks, it can pressure your opponent while also setting up future plays.
Deck Building Considerations: To maximize the Cruelclaw's potential, consider including a good mix of cheap spells and powerful win conditions. A well-balanced deck will increase the chances of finding a valuable card when you exile.
Synergies and Counterplays
Synergistic Cards: Cards that draw or manipulate the top of your library can complement the Cruelclaw. Additionally, spells with alternative costs or flashback abilities can benefit from the "discard a card" clause.
Discarding: Cards like Inti, Seneschal of the Sun and others with abilities like Madness could highly benefit from the discard part of Cruelclaw's ability.
Counterplay: Opponents can try to remove the Cruelclaw before it deals damage or disrupt your ability to cast the exiled card. Cards that counter spells or exile creatures can be effective against this strategy.
The Infamous Cruelclaw is a versatile card that can fit into various deck archetypes. Its ability to generate card advantage and potentially disrupt opponents makes it a valuable addition to many Magic: The Gathering decks. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific deck build and the game.
