Bite DownHow it works & interactions with other cards

One-Sided Aggression

Bite Down requires two targets: a creature you control and a creature or planeswalker you don't control. When the spell resolves, your creature deals damage equal to its current power. Because this is not a 'fight' mechanic, the opponent's permanent does not deal any damage back to your creature, allowing you to use small creatures with high power or deathtouch very effectively.

The Importance of Two Targets

As an instant, Bite Down checks its targets twice: once when you cast it and again as it attempts to resolve. If the creature you control leaves the battlefield or becomes an illegal target before the spell resolves, no damage is dealt. Similarly, if the opponent's creature or planeswalker gains protection or hexproof, the spell will fail to resolve.

Calculating Damage

The damage dealt is determined solely by the power of your creature at the moment Bite Down resolves. If your creature's power is buffed by an equipment or aura in response to the spell, it will deal that increased damage. Conversely, if your opponent reduces your creature's power before resolution, the damage will be weakened accordingly.

Strategic Timing

Because Bite Down is an instant, it is best used during your opponent's end step or in response to them tapping out for a spell. It is particularly potent when used on a creature with Deathtouch, as a single point of damage will be enough to destroy any opposing creature regardless of its toughness.

Interaction examples

Responding to Destruction

Beast Within

If you cast Bite Down targeting your creature and an opponent's creature, and your opponent responds by casting Beast Within on your creature, Bite Down will have an illegal target. When Bite Down tries to resolve, it sees its first target is gone, and per the official rulings, your creature will not deal any damage.

Protecting the Strike

Heroic Intervention

Suppose you cast Bite Down, and your opponent tries to target your creature with a removal spell to stop the damage. By casting Heroic Intervention in response, your creature gains hexproof. This ensures your creature remains a legal target for Bite Down, allowing the spell to resolve successfully and deal its damage.