Ana SanctuaryHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Trigger

Ana Sanctuary features an intervening 'if' clause. This means the ability checks when your upkeep begins to see if you control at least one blue or black permanent. If you do not control either, the ability does not trigger at all. If you do control one, the ability triggers and you choose a target creature. The game checks the condition again upon resolution to determine if the creature gets a bonus and how large that bonus is.

Calculating the Bonus

The resolution of the ability is a simple 'either/or' scenario. If you control a blue permanent OR a black permanent, the target creature receives +1/+1. However, if you control BOTH a blue permanent and a black permanent, the creature receives +5/+5 instead. Note that these bonuses do not stack; you will never receive a total of +6/+6 from a single resolution of this effect.

Strategic Timing

Since the effect lasts until the end of the turn, it is primarily used to prepare a creature for the combat phase. Because it triggers during the upkeep, it happens before you draw for the turn, allowing you to plan your attacks with the knowledge of which creature will be buffed. It is important to protect your blue and black permanents, as losing them in response to the trigger can reduce or negate the bonus.

Interaction examples

Boosting for Value

Garruk's Uprising

If you control a blue and a black permanent at the start of your upkeep, you can target a creature with 2 power to give it +5/+5, making it a 7/7. Because Garruk's Uprising grants your creatures trample, this buffed creature becomes a significant threat that is difficult to block effectively during your combat phase.

Upkeep Synergies

Sylvan Library

Both Ana Sanctuary and Sylvan Library have triggers that occur early in the turn. As the active player, you choose the order in which these triggers are put on the stack during your upkeep and draw step. While Ana Sanctuary targets a creature during the upkeep, Sylvan Library will trigger immediately after in the draw step, helping you dig for more blue or black permanents to ensure your Sanctuary stays active.