AngelsongHow it works & interactions with other cards

Preventing the Onslaught

The primary mode of Angelsong is a 'Fog' effect, which prevents all combat damage that would be dealt during the turn it is cast. This includes damage dealt by attacking creatures and blocking creatures alike. Note that it only prevents combat damage; non-combat damage from spells or abilities will still apply normally.

Cycling for Value

If the board state is safe and you don't need the protection, you can use the Cycling ability. By paying two generic mana and discarding Angelsong from your hand, you draw a new card. This is an activated ability, not a spell, meaning it cannot be countered by traditional counterspells that target spells, though it can be affected by abilities that target activated abilities.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Angelsong, it goes on the stack. Once it resolves, a continuous effect is created for the remainder of the turn. Any combat damage that would be dealt after resolution is reduced to zero. If you choose to Cycle it, you pay the cost and discard the card as part of activating the ability; the draw happens when the Cycling ability itself resolves.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Angelsong, wait until your opponent has declared attackers. If you cast it before attackers are declared, your opponent might choose not to attack at all. By waiting until the declare attackers step, you ensure their creatures are tapped and 'wasted' their combat phase without dealing any damage to you or your planeswalkers.

Interaction examples

Surviving a Lethal Swing

Your opponent attacks with five massive creatures that would deal 20 damage. You cast Angelsong during the Declare Attackers step. The spell resolves, and when the game moves to the Combat Damage step, all 20 damage is prevented. You take 0 damage and live to play your next turn.

Finding a Permanent Solution

Swords to Plowshares

You have Angelsong in hand but your opponent only has one dangerous creature. You decide you would rather have a permanent removal spell. You pay two mana to Cycle Angelsong, discarding it to draw a card. You happen to draw Swords to Plowshares, which you then use to exile the threat permanently.

The Backup Plan

Path to Exile

During your opponent's turn, you are holding both Angelsong and Path to Exile. You wait to see if they cast any additional buffs. If they commit all their mana to an 'all-in' attack, you cast Angelsong to blank their entire turn. If they only attack with one creature, you might save Angelsong for later and simply use Path to Exile to remove the single attacker.