Mindlash Sliver MTG Card


Forces both players to discard, creating opportunities to control the game’s pace and resource flow. Its instant speed activation allows surprise disruption against opponents’ strategies. Introducing it in decks can lead to cons, such as self-discard and limiting mana flexibility.
Mindlash Sliver - Time Spiral
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Sliver
Released2006-10-06
Set symbol
Set nameTime Spiral
Set codeTSP
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number118
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJeff Miracola

Text of card

All Slivers have ", Sacrifice this creature: Each player discards a card."

Though Dominaria's queenless slivers lack a single purpose, in some the instinct for self-sacrifice remains extremely strong.


Cards like Mindlash Sliver

Mindlash Sliver, while unassuming in presence, is a nuanced piece in the Sliver tribal puzzle of Magic: The Gathering. This card echoes the disruptive potential found in Delirium Skeins, reflecting the theme of symmetrical discard. Delirium Skeins compels each player to discard three cards, initiating a widespread library upheaval. However, where Mindlash Sliver differs is in its repeatable effect, controlled by the sacrifice of any Sliver.

Oppression stands as another parallel, an enchantment with a persistent ability to force discards whenever a player casts a spell. Although Oppression’s effect is non-selective, affecting each spell cast, Mindlash Sliver offers more targeted disruption, potentially every turn. Balancing this with the requirement of sacrificing a creature can result in more strategic play, especially within a Sliver-centric deck.

Ultimately, Mindlash Sliver may carve its niche among cards that disturb the hands of friends and foes alike. For those invested in a Sliver strategy, this card is more than a mere component; it’s a tactical choice that rewards careful timing and battlefield awareness, traits valued by MTG players looking to outmaneuver their opponents with calculated precision.

Delirium Skeins - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Delirium Skeins - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mindlash Sliver by color, type and mana cost

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Stone-Throwing Devils - MTG Card versions
Will-o'-the-Wisp - MTG Card versions
Vampire Bats - MTG Card versions
Bog Rats - MTG Card versions
Muck Rats - MTG Card versions
Vebulid - MTG Card versions
Urborg Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Carrion Rats - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Dark Supplicant - MTG Card versions
Bile Urchin - MTG Card versions
Rimebound Dead - MTG Card versions
Plague Beetle - MTG Card versions
Festering Goblin - MTG Card versions
Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Knucklebone Witch - MTG Card versions
Nightshade Stinger - MTG Card versions
Smolder Initiate - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Dead - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mindlash Sliver, when paired with other Slivers, forces each player to discard a card. This symmetric effect can be manipulated to your advantage, ensuring your opponents lose more valuable resources over time, potentially stripping them of their crucial plays while you tailor your hand to maintain superiority.

Resource Acceleration: While this Sliver doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it indirectly influences the pace of the game. By making all players discard, you level the playing field and can control the tempo, allowing you to strategically set up your board while others struggle to retain their resources.

Instant Speed: The activation of Mindlash Sliver’s ability can be done at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ strategies during their draw step or in response to actions that would otherwise give them an edge. This timing keeps adversaries on their toes, wary of committing to a play that might end up countered by a necessary discard.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mindlash Sliver necessitates both you and your opponent to discard a card, which can backfire if you’re in a situation where your hand is essential to your strategy. Regularly enabling your opponent to streamline their hand can unintentionally strengthen their position.

Specific Mana Cost: This sliver requires both black mana and a generic mana to deploy. This specific mana cost can limit flexibility, making it a potential non-starter in decks that are not built to accommodate black mana reliably.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Two mana for a 1/1 creature is on the high end, particularly when the ability also comes with a downside for yourself. In competitive play, there are other creatures or spells that offer a better cost-to-benefit ratio without forcing you to discard cards as well.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mindlash Sliver introduces a unique element to Sliver decks or any strategy involving hand disruption. Its ability to force each player to discard a card can be seamlessly incorporated into various deck builds that are designed to exploit an opponent’s hand.

Combo Potential: This creature thrives when paired with other cards that benefit from discarded cards or when used to feed graveyard strategies. Its low casting cost also makes it an excellent candidate for early game plays, setting up disruptive combos that can dictate the flow of the match.

Meta-Relevance: In metas heavy with combo or control decks, Mindlash Sliver’s discard effect can be a game-changer, potentially stripping opponents of key components needed for their victory conditions while also potentially reinforcing your graveyard for future plays.


How to beat

Mindlash Sliver presents a unique challenge in the world of MTG as it allows players to force each player to discard a card. To effectively counter this disruptive force, tactical foresight is paramount. Employing graveyard-utilizing strategies such as reanimation or delve can turn this apparent disadvantage into a tool for setting up your own plays. Cards like Tormod’s Crypt offer a way to exile graveyards, nullifying the benefits your opponent might gain from discarding. Moreover, instant-speed card draw can replenish your hand, mitigating the impact of Mindlash Sliver’s ability.

Having creatures or spells that can remove Mindlash Sliver before its ability triggers is another efficient strategy. Save your instant removal spells like Fatal Push for an opportunistic moment when the sliver is about to activate. Consider also the implementation of hexproof or shroud-enabling cards that can protect your important creatures from being targeted, keeping your key pieces safe on the battlefield. Planning your turns to always leave mana open for these responses can be the difference between defeat and victory. Ultimately, turning your opponent’s strategy around and bending their discarding mechanism to benefit you can nullify the threat of this silvery menace.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mindlash Sliver MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral, 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 Mindlash Sliver and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mindlash Sliver has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mindlash Sliver card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-07-01 Abilities that Slivers grant, as well as power/toughness boosts, are cumulative. However, for some abilities, like flying, having more than one instance of the ability doesn’t provide any additional benefit.
2013-07-01 If the creature type of a Sliver changes so it’s no longer a Sliver, it will no longer be affected by its own ability. Its ability will continue to affect other Sliver creatures.