Skullclamp

Skullclamp was originally introduced in the 2004 set Darksteel, where it quickly became one of the most powerful and controversial artifacts in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Its design, which allows a player to draw two cards whenever the equipped creature dies, proved far more efficient than the development team anticipated, leading to its eventual restriction or ban in several competitive formats. The card represented a turning point in how Wizards of the Coast approached card advantage and resource management in design.

This specific version, released in the 2020 Commander series, features new artwork by Daniel Ljunggren. The illustration captures the grim, utilitarian nature of the device, shifting away from the original 2004 aesthetic to align with the modern visual language of the game. Like its predecessor, this reprint remains a staple in Commander deck-building, valued for its ability to turn small, sacrificial creatures into a steady flow of cards, a role it continues to play despite its storied and disruptive legacy.