The classic: for a mere two mana, you make your
opponent discard a card and get a creature. If
the creature kills another creature in combat or
draws a removal spell, it's a 2-for-1. But the
creature is a mere 1/1, with no relevant
abilities beyong coming into play. The discard
is nice, but why do you need a 1/1? The only tme
this will kill a creature in combat is if it and
another creature gangblock something, and only a
fool would burn a removal spell on this (unless
maybe it were Afflict and he needed to draw the
card). So, basically, it ends up being a Cry of
Contrition that you can get back with
Gravedigger, sacrifice to Nantuko Husk, or
chumpblock with. And that's not bad, but better
cards keep getting printed.
This card has been a staple in discard decks for
awhile now. He is a 1/1 for 2 with a built in
discard. It's great early on because it will
disrupt your opponents hand early and give u a
chump blocker.
Constructed: 3
Casual: 3
Limited: 2
David Fanany
Player since
1995
Ravenous Rats
Personally, I've always liked this card, but at
various times in the past it hasn't really seen
play. I understand why, too: although you get
card advantage out of it right away (forced
discard and a creature), the creature itself is
nothing to write home about. Still, it is a form
of card advantage, and it does attack for one or
chump block something big while you put together
a defense.
Constructed: 2/5
Casual: 2/5
Limited: 2/5
PsychoAnime
#1
Magic Noob in Canada since 2002
Ravenous Rat
I've always had a soft spot for Ravenous Rat due
to the fact that Ravenous Rat, Chittering Rat
followed by Okiba-Gang Shinobi is absolutely
devastating when pulled off. In standard,
Ravenous Rat is a +1 card advantage for 2 mana
and that makes it rather efficient. The 1/1 body
doesn't have much application right now, besides
maybe a creature to sacrifice with Smallpox, but
swinging for a few damage against control or
chump blocking a Tarmagoyf against aggro isn't
too bad.
In casual, I still like Ravenous Rat. It sucks
in multiplayer but in 1 vs. 1, forcing a discard
on turn 2 puts a hilarious look on your
opponent's face as no one likes having to
discard.
In limited, it's weak body essentially makes it
a 2 mana Cry of Contrition without the haunt.
That's bad. I have to say it still combos nicely
with that blue guy that bounces your own
permanent.
