Lord Skitter's Butcher 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

When this creature enters, choose one — • Create a 1/1 black Rat creature token with "This token can't block." • You may sacrifice another creature. If you do, scry 2, then draw a card. • Creatures you control gain menace until end of turn.

Complete guide

Lord Skitter's Butcher is a versatile Rat Peasant that offers a suite of tactical options upon entering the battlefield. Whether you need to build your board, dig through your library, or push for lethal damage, this creature adapts to the current state of your game.

Versatility on Entry

When Lord Skitter's Butcher enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose one of the three modes at the time the ability is put on the stack. Because the ability says 'When this creature enters,' it only triggers once unless external effects allow for more.

Sacrificing for Value

If you choose the second mode, the decision to sacrifice another creature happens during the resolution of the ability. You do not target a creature to sacrifice. If the creature you intended to sacrifice leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, you may choose a different 'another creature' to sacrifice, or choose not to sacrifice anything at all. You only scry 2 and draw if a sacrifice actually occurs.

The Menace Push

The third mode grants menace to creatures you control until the end of the turn. This effect only applies to creatures you control at the moment the ability resolves. Any creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn will not have menace.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that the Rat token created by the first mode specifically carries the 'can't block' restriction. Also, for the sacrifice mode, Lord Skitter's Butcher cannot sacrifice itself because the text specifies 'another' creature.

Interaction examples

Building a Swarm

Rat

You cast Lord Skitter's Butcher. Upon entry, you choose the first mode. A 1/1 black Rat creature token is created. This provides two bodies for three mana, though the token is restricted to offensive maneuvers as it cannot block.

The Ultimate Value Engine

Solemn Simulacrum

With Solemn Simulacrum already on the battlefield, you play Lord Skitter's Butcher and choose the second mode. Upon resolution, you sacrifice Solemn Simulacrum. This triggers the Simulacrum's 'dies' ability. You will scry 2 and draw a card from the Butcher's ability, then draw another card from the Simulacrum's trigger.

Doubling the Decree

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne is on the battlefield with 'Rat' chosen as the creature type, Lord Skitter's Butcher's entry ability triggers twice. You can choose two different modes or the same mode twice. For example, you could create a Rat token with the first trigger and then sacrifice that same token to the second trigger to scry 2 and draw a card.

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