Scyther Usage Across Sets: A Deep Dive Into TCG Stats

In TCG ·

Scyther card art from Rebel Clash swsh2-4

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Scyther's usage across sets: a data-driven look at TCG statistics

In the ever-evolving world of the Pokémon TCG, small tactical decisions can tilt the balance of a match. Scyther, a Basic Grass-type from Rebel Clash (swsh2), exemplifies how a seemingly modest card can punch above its weight when placed in the right deck and format. With 80 HP, two low-cost attacks, and a clever damage-doubling mechanic, this common Pokémon invites players to think in terms of tempo, risk, and timing. KEIICHIRO ITO’s illustrated Scyther captures the predatory elegance of the creature, aligning artful design with razor-edged gameplay. ⚡

Card anatomy and playstyle

  • Type and stage: Grass-type, Basic — a dependable early drop for many lists.
  • HP and retreat: 80 HP; retreat cost of 1 keeps options open for quick pivots into bench comfort or other attackers.
  • Attacks: Swords Dance (Colorless) — your next attack gains 70 extra damage; Blinding Scythe (Colorless) — 20 base damage, which leaps to 90 on the following turn thanks to Swords Dance. The math rewards clever sequencing and setup in the heat of battle.
  • Weakness and resilience: Fire weakness ×2 — a critical consideration when facing Fire-heavy decks.
  • Rarity and availability: Common — a staple in early sets, commonly found in bulk and used to teach players how to capitalize on buff mechanics.
  • Illustration: KEIICHIRO ITO’s dynamic portrayal amplifies Scyther’s agile menace, making the card a favorite for both players and collectors.

What makes Scyther compelling is not just its two-card toolkit but the way the Swords Dance buff opens doors for clockwork precision. A single turn of preparation can translate into a knockout the very next turn, especially when you read your opponent’s likely moves and time your resource placement. The combination feels almost cinematic: you set the blade in motion, then unleash the scythe with a surgical strike. 🎯

Usage patterns across sets and formats

Across sets, Scyther’s role reflects the era it belongs to. In Rebel Clash, its common status and straightforward energy requirements make it a reliable tempo option for Grass-heavy and colorless-energy strategies. In Standard, however, the card’s standard legality is marked as false, which means it sits outside the rotating metagame that governs most current play. In Expanded, Scyther can find a home as a nimble finisher or a niche setup engine, especially in decks that prize quick game tempo and the occasional high-damage burst from Blinding Scythe. The card’s low HP and modest stat-line mean you’ll want to pair it with cards that help you reach the right setup moment without overcommitting resources. 🌱

For collectors and market watchers, Rebel Clash staples tell a quiet story about supply and interest. CardMarket data shows the non-holo version averaging around €0.06, with lows around €0.02 and a steady slight upward drift indicated by a trend of about +0.07. TCGPlayer paints a parallel picture in USD: normal copies hover near a mid-price of about $0.16, with some listings dipping to $0.01 and others peaking as high as $4.99 in unusual circumstances. These signals reflect the broader phenomenon that even common cards can gain traction in price when they become nostalgic anchors for complete-set collectors or specific deck archetypes still discussed in niche communities. 💎

From a gameplay perspective, the tactical heart of Scyther lies in when you choose to commit to Swords Dance. If you can guarantee a turn where your opponent has no immediate answer to the looming 90-damage Blinding Scythe, you swing for a KO on many targets—especially if a resistance window isn’t present or if you’ve arranged a favorable matchup. The Fire-type weakness adds risk, but it also encourages creative deck-building, such as backing Scyther with healing or defensive tools to weather a fiery onslaught. 🔥

Collecting and the art narrative

The Rebel Clash era is notable for its bold, kinetic artwork, and Scyther’s portrayal by Ito embodies that energy. The card’s bladework—two sharp scythes drawn with precision—echoes the strategic precision players aim for in-game. For collectors, the distinction between normal and reverse holo (while both are Common) offers visual variety that makes binder pages pop. The set’s Regulation Mark D anchors your expectations for format legality, reminding players to verify which cards are permitted in Standard versus Expanded play. The interplay between art, rarity, and qualifying formats is part of what makes building a bound collection feel like assembling a personal archive of a game’s history. 🎨

Strategic takeaway for players and collectors

  • In Expanded formats, Scyther can be a reliable setup engine within Grass-centered or colorless-energy decks, delivering a potent payoff when Swords Dance lines up with Blinding Scythe’s knockout window.
  • In Standard, watch for format rotations and eligibility. Though not legal in Standard, the card remains a meaningful retro reference for deck-building philosophy and for collectors chasing Rebel Clash staples.
  • Price awareness matters: track CardMarket and TCGPlayer data to spot subtle shifts and to plan buys for binder completeness or nascent deck builds. Even commonly printed cards can surprise you with a short-term spike if a new deck variant resurfaces interest in the archetype. 📈
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