Bloodflow ConnoisseurHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Ability

Bloodflow Connoisseur features an activated ability that costs nothing but the sacrifice of a creature. Because the cost is 'Sacrifice a creature,' you can activate this ability any time you have priority, even on your opponent's turn. Each time you pay this cost, a +1/+1 counter is placed on Bloodflow Connoisseur when the ability resolves, permanently increasing its power and toughness.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you announce the activation of the ability and choose a creature you control to sacrifice. This creature is put into its owner's graveyard immediately as a cost; players cannot react to the sacrifice itself. Second, the ability is placed on the stack. Finally, once both players pass priority, the ability resolves and Bloodflow Connoisseur receives its +1/+1 counter.

Strategic Timing and Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Bloodflow Connoisseur can sacrifice itself. While the official rulings state the ability won't do anything since the Connoisseur is gone by the time it resolves, this can be used to prevent an opponent from gaining life via lifelink or to trigger 'dies' effects. Also, remember that since the sacrifice is a cost, your opponent cannot kill the sacrificed creature 'in response' to stop you from getting the counter.

Interaction examples

Extracting Value from the Sad Robot

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent targets your Solemn Simulacrum with a spell that would exile it, you can respond by sacrificing it to Bloodflow Connoisseur. The Solemn Simulacrum goes to the graveyard, allowing you to draw a card from its triggered ability, and Bloodflow Connoisseur gets a +1/+1 counter.

Vampiric Growth

During combat, if your opponent blocks Bloodflow Connoisseur with a creature that would kill it, you can sacrifice other smaller creatures you control to the Connoisseur. This places +1/+1 counters on it instantly, potentially raising its toughness high enough to survive the combat damage.

Doubling Up with the Throne

Roaming Throne

Note that if you choose 'Vampire' for Roaming Throne, it will not double Bloodflow Connoisseur's ability. This is because Bloodflow Connoisseur has an activated ability (indicated by the colon), and Roaming Throne only interacts with triggered abilities (starting with 'when', 'whenever', or 'at').