Combat Trick

A combat trick is an instant-speed spell, usually a pump effect or a protection ability, cast during combat to win or survive a fight your opponent thought was already decided.

How Combat Tricks Change the Math

A well-timed trick can turn a favourable block into a loss, or let an attacker survive a trade it should have lost. Because they’re cast at instant speed, they’re most dangerous the moment blockers or attackers are already declared and can’t be changed.

Playing Around Combat Tricks

Before attacking or blocking into open mana on an opponent who hasn’t tapped out, ask what the worst-case trick does to the exchange. Respecting one or two open mana is often enough to avoid a bad surprise.