Synapse Sliver MTG Card


Synapse Sliver offers card advantage, compounding hand size as Slivers deal combat damage. Resource acceleration is significant, aiding in swiftly accessing crucial deck components. Despite a high mana cost, it’s a must-have for its card draw synergy within Sliver decks.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sliver
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever a Sliver deals combat damage to a player, its controller may draw a card.

"Species XR17 feeds upon the mental energies of its victims. This explains why the goblins remain unaffected." —Riptide Project researcher


Cards like Synapse Sliver

Synapse Sliver slides seamlessly into the Sliver decks within Magic: The Gathering, akin to its kin in providing tribal synergies. It has a prime ability that triggers card draw whenever a Sliver deals combat damage to a player, similar to Edric, Spymaster of Trest. However, Synapse Sliver’s effect is tribal-specific, enhancing it because all your Slivers garnish the card draw effect whereas Edric could inadvertently benefit opponents with the same effect given its universal nature.

Meanwhile, Coastal Piracy is another card that mirrors the card draw on combat mechanic but isn’t restricted to a creature type. The difference lies in Synapse Sliver’s ability to uplift an entire tribe, making it possible for a Sliver player to snowball card advantage rapidly. In comparison, cards like Bident of Thassa offer both the combat damage draw and a way to compel opponents’ creatures to attack, yet they do not fortify a singular creature type as Synapse Sliver does.

Ultimately, Synapse Sliver embodies the strength of Sliver tribes, carving out its niche as a tribal enabler. It grants sustained card advantage in a creature-heavy deck, making it an integral part within the Sliver archetype for Magic: The Gathering aficionados.

Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions
Coastal Piracy - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions
Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions
Coastal Piracy - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions

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

Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
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Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Tidewater Minion - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Psionic Entity - MTG Card versions
Taniwha - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Dreamtail Heron - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Tidewater Minion - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Synapse Sliver offers an exceptional ability to draw additional cards. Each time a Sliver deals combat damage to a player, its controller may draw a card. This not only enhances hand size but also ensures a steady flow of options, keeping your strategy well-fueled throughout the match.

Resource Acceleration: By providing a consistent method to draw extra cards upon dealing damage, Synapse Sliver effectively accelerates resources. Players can quickly access more of their deck’s arsenal, which can lead to faster deployment of other threats on the battlefield or finding key answers when needed.

Instant Speed: While Synapse Sliver itself is not an instant, its ability enables Sliver decks to stay reactive. The potential card draw occurs during the combat phase, which can instantly enrich your hand, possibly providing instant-speed spells that can be played still during the opponent’s turn, keeping you one step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Synapse Sliver requires you to have another Sliver in play to benefit from its card draw ability. If your board is wiped or you’re unable to maintain a presence of Slivers, this card’s value diminishes significantly.

Specific Mana Cost: With its blue and generic mana requirement, Synapse Sliver necessitates a commitment to blue within your Sliver deck. This can constrain deck-building options and make it harder to maintain a consistent mana base in multicolored Sliver strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana, Synapse Sliver is costly compared to other Slivers and cards with similar effects. By the time you have the mana to cast it, you may already be at a critical juncture in the game where deploying faster, more impactful cards is crucial.


Reasons to Include Synapse Sliver in Your Collection

Versatility: Synapse Sliver slips seamlessly into various Sliver decks, enhancing strategies centered around creature synergy. Its ability to draw a card when a Sliver deals combat damage opens up avenues for deck cycling and maintaining hand advantage.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other Slivers that increase combat prowess or provide evasion. It can help execute combos that revolve around dealing combat damage, drawing cards, and overpowering opponents with a constant flux of Sliver creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Synapse Sliver’s ability to keep your hand filled with options can be a game-changer. It’s a card that adapts to the ever-shifting competitive scene, ensuring that Sliver decks remain a threatening presence on the battlefield.


How to beat

Synapse Sliver stands as a potent force in any Sliver deck, offering not just a creature boost but also a valuable card draw mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. When a sliver deals combat damage to a player, it allows that player to draw a card, thus potentially giving sliver decks an overwhelming advantage in terms of card economy. Despite its strengths, there are ways to ensure your strategy doesn’t falter against it.

Controlling the battlefield is key. Board wipes like Wrath of God can clear out a swarm of slivers before they become insurmountable. Spot removals like Path to Exile or Doom Blade, targeting Synapse Sliver directly, can also reduce the card advantage it provides. Additionally, employing counterspells like Mana Leak when the Synapse Sliver is cast disrupts the opponent’s momentum and preserves the balance.

Therefore, while Synapse Sliver may be a formidable component within the sliver archetype, a well-prepared deck focusing on removal, control, and disruption can effectively mitigate the advantages it brings to the table. By anticipating the Synapse’s arrival and maintaining board control, you can tip the scales in your favor and secure victory despite your opponent’s slivery synergies.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unpacking the dynamic abilities of Synapse Sliver offers a clear edge in both hand and board presence for MTG enthusiasts. The strategic card draw paired with combat damage creates a formidable effect that can shift game momentum in your favor. If you’re building a Sliver deck or looking to boost an existing one, understanding the nuances of cards like Synapse Sliver is crucial. As you evolve your decks and tactics, remember the importance of adapting to the continuously changing battlefield. Curious to discover how Synapse Sliver can amplify your MTG experience? Dive deeper with us for insights that could reshape your gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Synapse Sliver MTG card by a specific set like Legions and Secret Lair Drop, 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 Synapse Sliver and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Synapse Sliver Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Thomas M. Baxa.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12003-02-03LegionsLGN 531997NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa
22019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 6262015NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa
32023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 8572015NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Synapse Sliver has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Synapse 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.