Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel — Magic: The Gathering card

Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel

{1}{U}
Legendary Creature — Siren Pirate

Flash

Flying

Whenever Malcolm deals combat damage to a player, put a chorus counter on it. Draw a card, then discard a card. If there are four or more chorus counters on Malcolm, you may cast the discarded card without paying its mana cost.

Power/Toughness: 2/1

Set The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 2
Artist Fesbra
Collector # 63
Scryfall

Why Play Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel

Flash and flying make Malcolm an excellent reactive threat that can ambush attackers or slip in for damage when opponents tap out. The card selection engine kicks in immediately upon dealing combat damage, helping you dig for answers or threats while building toward the powerful free-cast ability. Tempo and control decks appreciate the combination of evasive pressure and card quality, especially since Malcolm can be deployed at instant speed to surprise opponents or dodge removal.

Format Notes

Malcolm shines brightest in Standard and Pioneer, where the two-mana slot for evasive threats is highly contested and the free-cast ability can quickly spiral out of control. The card sees moderate play in Commander as a value engine in Siren tribal or artifact-based strategies, though it's less impactful in multiplayer games where combat damage is harder to achieve consistently. Currently banned in no formats, Malcolm represents a fair but powerful threat in faster competitive environments.

Combos & Synergies

Equipment like Sword of Fire and Ice or Embercleave accelerate both the damage clock and chorus counter accumulation while providing additional value. Malcolm pairs excellently with cheap cantrips and instant-speed spells that you're happy to discard for later free-casting, particularly expensive threats like Sheoldred, the Apocalypse or planeswalkers. Spyglass Siren and other low-cost Sirens create a tribal package that can quickly establish board presence while supporting Malcolm's aggressive gameplan.

Learn More

Creature Flying Flash Cantrip Standard Modern Pioneer