Ayara's Oathsworn — ruling 1

If Ayara's Oathsworn has four or more +1/+1 counters on it as it deals combat damage to a player, its ability won't trigger at all. None of its effects will happen. You won't put a +1/+1 counter on Ayara's Oathsworn and you won't search for a card.

Ayara's Oathsworn — ruling 2

If the triggered ability does trigger, that ability will check Ayara's Oathsworn again as it tries to resolve. If Ayara's Oathsworn has four or more +1/+1 counters on it at that time, the ability won't resolve. None of its effects will happen. You won't put a +1/+1 counter on Ayara's Oathsworn and you won't search for a card.

Ayara's Oathsworn — ruling 3

If Ayara's Oathsworn isn't on the battlefield as its ability tries to resolve, you won't search for a card, even if Ayara's Oathsworn had three +1/+1 counters on it before if left the battlefield, because it won't be around to have the fourth +1/+1 counter put on it.

Ayara's Oathsworn : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Ayara's Oathsworn is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Menace Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it has fewer than four +1/+1 counters on it, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Then if it has exactly four +1/+1 counters on it, search your library for a card, put it into your hand, then shuffle.

Complete guide

Ayara's Oathsworn is an efficient Human Knight that rewards you for consistent aggression. By combining evasive combat damage with a powerful library-search effect, it serves as both a threat and a toolkit enabler. Understanding the precise timing of its counters is key to mastering this card's potential.

What It Does

Ayara's Oathsworn is a two-mana 2/2 creature with Menace, making it difficult for your opponent to block. Whenever it deals combat damage to a player, it gains a +1/+1 counter, provided it has fewer than four. If that counter brings the total to exactly four, you search your library for any card and put it into your hand.

Resolving the Ability Step by Step

First, the ability triggers only if the Oathsworn has three or fewer counters when it deals damage. Upon resolution, it checks the counter count again; if it still has fewer than four, you place a +1/+1 counter on it. Finally, if the creature now has exactly four counters, the search effect triggers, allowing you to find any card in your deck and shuffle.

Common Mistakes

A common error is thinking you can search if the creature already has four or more counters before combat. The ability uses an intervening 'if' clause; if the Oathsworn has four or more counters when it deals damage, the ability doesn't trigger at all. Additionally, if the creature is removed from the battlefield before the ability resolves, you cannot add a counter or search, as it is no longer there to reach the required count.

When to Play It

This card is best played early in the game to maximize its Menace ability before your opponent has multiple blockers. It is an excellent choice for decks that need specific combo pieces or answers, as it effectively functions as a tutor that grows into a 6/6 threat over time.

Interaction examples

Solo Growth

You attack an open player with Ayara's Oathsworn. Since it has zero counters, the ability triggers. You place a +1/+1 counter on it. It now has one counter, so the 'exactly four' condition is not met, and you do not search your library.

The Final Counter

Ayara's Oathsworn already has three +1/+1 counters and deals combat damage to a player. The ability triggers. You add a fourth +1/+1 counter. Because it now has exactly four counters, you search your library for any card, put it in your hand, and shuffle.

Establishing a Board

Ornithopter of Paradise

You use Ornithopter of Paradise to produce black mana to cast Ayara's Oathsworn on turn two. By turn three, you can attack with the Oathsworn while the Ornithopter provides mana for follow-up spells, ensuring your Knight begins its journey toward the four-counter threshold.

Strategic Sequencing

Blood Artist

With Blood Artist on the battlefield, your opponent may be hesitant to block your Menace creature and lose life. If they allow the damage, Ayara's Oathsworn gains a counter. If they choose to double-block and the Knight dies, Blood Artist ensures they still pay a price in life points.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Ayara's Oathsworn

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1May 12, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If Ayara's Oathsworn has four or more +1/+1 counters on it as it deals combat damage to a player, its ability won't trigger at all. None of its effects will happen. You won't put a +1/+1 counter on Ayara's Oathsworn and you won't search for a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2May 12, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the triggered ability does trigger, that ability will check Ayara's Oathsworn again as it tries to resolve. If Ayara's Oathsworn has four or more +1/+1 counters on it at that time, the ability won't resolve. None of its effects will happen. You won't put a +1/+1 counter on Ayara's Oathsworn and you won't search for a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3May 12, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If Ayara's Oathsworn isn't on the battlefield as its ability tries to resolve, you won't search for a card, even if Ayara's Oathsworn had three +1/+1 counters on it before if left the battlefield, because it won't be around to have the fourth +1/+1 counter put on it.
No other card is named in this ruling.