Hired Claw

Description

Hired Claw (BLB 140) enters the battlefield as a one-mana Creature — Lizard Mercenary, offering an efficient entry point for red-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Released in 2024 as part of the Bloomburrow set, this Rare card features Quintin Gleim’s artwork and serves as a versatile tool for aggressive decks. The card’s primary strength lies in its combat ability. Whenever you attack with one or more Lizards, Hired Claw deals 1 damage to any target opponent. This trigger provides consistent early-game pressure, allowing players to chip away at life totals while developing their board state. The Lizard subtype synergy is central to its design, rewarding deck builders who focus on this tribal identity. Beyond its static ability, Hired Claw offers flexible growth through its activated ability. For {1}{R}, players can place a +1/+1 counter on this creature, but only if an opponent lost life that turn and only once per turn. This restriction ties the card’s power spike directly to the aggressive nature of the deck, encouraging players to maintain offensive momentum. The combination of early damage and conditional growth makes Hired Claw a compelling choice for collectors and players alike who appreciate tactical depth in low-cost creatures. Whether you are building a competitive Lizard tribal deck or simply appreciating the artistry of modern TCG design, this card represents a solid addition to any enthusiast's library. The card’s straightforward mechanics and thematic design make it accessible to new players while retaining enough strategic nuance for experienced commanders.