How Does Elite Scaleguard Work?
Elite Scaleguard is a versatile and powerful card in Magic: The Gathering, but understanding its mechanics can be a bit complex. In this article, we will delve into the details of how Elite Scaleguard works, covering its card text, abilities, and interactions with other cards.
Card Text:
Elite Scaleguard’s card text is as follows:
"When Elite Scaleguard enters the battlefield, bolster 2. (Choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control and put two +1/+1 counters on it.)
Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it attacks, tap target creature defending player controls."
Let’s break down this text into its components:
• When Elite Scaleguard enters the battlefield, bolster 2: This ability triggers when the card is played or tokens are created. It requires you to choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control and give it two +1/+1 counters.
• Choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control: This part is important, as it requires you to select the smallest creature you control based on its toughness. If there are multiple creatures with the same toughness, you can choose any one of them.
• Put two +1/+1 counters on it: The selected creature gains two +1/+1 counters, which increases its power and toughness by 1 each.
• Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it attacks, tap target creature defending player controls: This ability triggers whenever one of your creatures with +1/+1 counters on it attacks. It forces the defending player to tap one of their creatures.
How Elite Scaleguard Works:
To understand how Elite Scaleguard works, let’s consider a few scenarios:
Scenario 1: Playing Elite Scaleguard
When you play Elite Scaleguard, its ability will trigger, and you will need to choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control. For example, if you control a 2/2 and a 1/1, you would choose the 1/1 creature. You would then give the 1/1 creature two +1/+1 counters, making it a 3/3.
Scenario 2: Attacking with Elite Scaleguard-Protected Creature
If your 3/3 creature from Scenario 1 attacks, its ability will trigger, and you will get to tap a target creature defending player controls. If the defending player controls only one creature, you can tap it. If they control multiple creatures, you can choose which one to tap.
Scenario 3: Multiple Creatures with +1/+1 Counters
If you control multiple creatures with +1/+1 counters, they will all trigger the ability when they attack. For example, if you control two 3/3 creatures with +1/+1 counters, both will trigger the ability, and you will get to tap two target creatures defending player controls.
Interactions and Limitations:
- Summoning Sickness: Elite Scaleguard’s ability will not trigger if the creature attacking has summoning sickness. The creature must be untapped and able to attack.
- Deathtouch: If two creatures with deathtouch abilities are attacking the same creature, the creature will be destroyed, and the deathtouch abilities will cancel each other out.
- Other Card Interactions: Elite Scaleguard’s abilities may interact with other cards in unexpected ways. Be sure to read the entire card text and consider interactions before playing.
In Conclusion:
Elite Scaleguard is a powerful and versatile card that can be used in a variety of strategies. Understanding its mechanics and interactions is crucial to getting the most out of this card. With its ability to bolster and tap creatures, Elite Scaleguard can provide a significant advantage on the battlefield.