Ancient Gold DragonHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Ancient Gold Dragon is a 7/11 creature with Flying. Its primary ability is a triggered ability that fires off whenever it deals combat damage to a player. Once the damage is dealt, you roll a twenty-sided die (d20) and create a number of 1/1 blue Faerie Dragon creature tokens equal to the number rolled. These tokens also have flying, allowing you to bypass ground defenses in future turns.

Resolving the Ability Step-by-Step

First, the Ancient Gold Dragon must deal combat damage to a player; if it is blocked or its damage is prevented, the ability will not trigger. Second, the ability goes on the stack. Third, as the ability resolves, you roll the d20. Finally, you create the specified number of 1/1 blue Faerie Dragon tokens. These tokens enter the battlefield simultaneously and are immediately available for effects that care about creatures entering the battlefield.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that the number of tokens is tied strictly to the d20 roll, not the amount of damage dealt. Even if the Dragon deals more than 7 damage due to buffs, you still only roll one die. Additionally, remember that these tokens are created during the Combat Phase, so unless they have Haste, they cannot attack during the same turn they were created.

When to Play It

This card is best played when you have established a way to protect it or ensure it connects with a player. Because it costs seven mana, it is often a finisher. It synergizes well with cards that care about the number of creatures you control or effects that trigger when creatures enter the battlefield.

Interaction examples

Building a Fleet

Ancient Gold DragonFaerie Dragon

If Ancient Gold Dragon attacks an opponent directly and is not blocked, it deals 7 damage. You then roll a d20. If you roll a 15, you create 15 Faerie Dragon tokens. This immediately gives you a massive aerial presence that your opponent must deal with on their next turn.

Indestructible Offense

Ancient Gold DragonAvacyn, Angel of Hope

With Avacyn, Angel of Hope on the battlefield, your Ancient Gold Dragon gains indestructible. This allows you to attack aggressively without fear of most removal spells or combat tricks. Once the Dragon deals damage, you generate your tokens, which will also be indestructible thanks to Avacyn's static ability.

The Long Game

Ancient Gold DragonSun Titan

While Sun Titan cannot bring back Ancient Gold Dragon due to its high mana value, it can bring back smaller support pieces that help the Dragon survive. If your opponent manages to destroy the Faerie Dragon tokens, Sun Titan can help maintain your board presence while your Elder Dragon prepares for another high-roll attack.