Cleaver Skaab — ruling 1

You can choose to sacrifice a Zombie token to activate the ability. You'll create two tokens that are copies of that token as normal.

Cleaver Skaab — ruling 2

If the sacrificed Zombie was itself copying a permanent, the tokens will be copies of whatever it was copying, as modified by that copy effect. The tokens won't copy any other effects that were applying to the sacrificed creature, including effects that changed its types, color, power, or toughness while it was on the battlefield.

Cleaver Skaab : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Cleaver Skaab is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

, , Sacrifice another Zombie: Create two tokens that are copies of the sacrificed creature.

Complete guide

Looking to maximize your undead resources? Cleaver Skaab is a powerful engine for Zombie decks, turning one sacrifice into two perfect duplicates. Whether you are seeking extra 'enters the battlefield' triggers or simply want to widen your board, this Skaab is ready to get to work.

What It Does

Cleaver Skaab has an activated ability that requires three mana, tapping the Skaab, and sacrificing another Zombie. In return, you create two tokens that are exact copies of the sacrificed creature. Note that you cannot sacrifice Cleaver Skaab to itself, as the ability specifically requires 'another Zombie'.

How It Resolves

When you activate the ability, the sacrificed Zombie's current state as a permanent is noted. If that creature was copying something else, the new tokens will be copies of that same permanent. However, the tokens will not inherit temporary buffs, counters, or type-changing effects that were active on the original creature while it was on the battlefield; they only copy the base characteristics of the card (or the base characteristics of the token being copied).

Common Mistakes

A common mistake involves timing. Because sacrificing the Zombie is part of the activation cost, you cannot respond to the sacrifice by trying to save the creature. Additionally, if you sacrifice a Zombie token, you still get two new tokens that are copies of that token. Just remember that the new tokens will enter the battlefield as fresh objects, so any 'enters' abilities will trigger again.

When to Play It

This card is best used in the late game when you have mana to spare and high-value Zombies to duplicate. It is particularly effective with creatures that have powerful 'dies' or 'enters' abilities, allowing you to trigger the death effect once and the entry effect twice in one go.

Interaction examples

Doubling Utility

Cleaver Skaab

Solemn Simulacrum

If Solemn Simulacrum has been turned into a Zombie (via another effect), you can sacrifice it to Cleaver Skaab. You will draw a card from the Simulacrum's death trigger, and then create two Simulacrum tokens. Each token will then trigger its own 'enters' ability, allowing you to search for two basic lands.

Exponential Triggers

Cleaver Skaab

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield and 'Zombie' chosen as its type, it becomes a Zombie. If you use Cleaver Skaab to sacrifice a different Zombie, Roaming Throne causes Cleaver Skaab's activated ability to trigger... wait! Actually, Cleaver Skaab has an activated ability, not a triggered one. However, if you sacrifice the Roaming Throne itself (since it is a Zombie), you create two Roaming Thrones. Now, any future Zombie triggered abilities will trigger three times instead of one!

Token Recursion

Cleaver Skaab Copy

Copy

If you control a token that is a copy of a powerful Zombie, you can sacrifice that token to Cleaver Skaab. You will create two new tokens that are identical to the original token, effectively turning one Copy into two.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Cleaver Skaab

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1September 24, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
You can choose to sacrifice a Zombie token to activate the ability. You'll create two tokens that are copies of that token as normal.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2September 24, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
If the sacrificed Zombie was itself copying a permanent, the tokens will be copies of whatever it was copying, as modified by that copy effect. The tokens won't copy any other effects that were applying to the sacrificed creature, including effects that changed its types, color, power, or toughness while it was on the battlefield.
Card named in this ruling
Copy