Combat Trick
Instant speed · Combat interaction · Applies to all constructed and limited formats
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.
Strategic tip
If you can’t afford to lose a combat exchange, don’t offer it into open mana. Weigh the value of a small attack or block against the cost of walking into a trick you can’t answer.
Good for
Related terms
Get our free MTG Arena strategy guide — formats, wildcards, and your first ranked season.
Free strategy guide