Blossoming DefenseHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Blossoming Defense provides two distinct benefits to a single target creature you control: a +2/+2 power and toughness boost and the hexproof keyword. Because it is an instant, you can cast it in response to an opponent's action or during the combat phase to change the outcome of a fight. Hexproof ensures that the creature cannot be the target of spells or abilities controlled by your opponents, effectively 'fizzling' any targeted removal currently on the stack.

Resolving Step by Step

First, you cast the spell and choose a legal target creature you control. Upon resolution, the creature immediately gains the +2/+2 bonus and hexproof. If an opponent cast a spell like a removal spell targeting that creature, and you cast Blossoming Defense in response, their spell will check its target again as it tries to resolve. Since the creature now has hexproof, the opponent's spell will have an illegal target and will fail to resolve, moving directly to the graveyard with no effect.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to use Blossoming Defense to stop 'board wipes' or non-targeted effects; hexproof only prevents targeting, so it won't save a creature from a spell that says 'destroy all creatures.' Additionally, remember that you still control the creature, so you can still target it with your own spells even after it gains hexproof. Finally, if the creature is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer a legal target when Blossoming Defense tries to resolve, the entire spell will fail.

When to Play It

The best time to use this card is in response to an opponent's removal spell, as it creates a 'two-for-one' scenario where they lose a card and you keep your creature while making it stronger. It is also highly effective during the declare blockers step to save your creature from dying in combat or to deal the final few points of damage needed to reduce an opponent's life total to zero.

Interaction examples

Protecting a Tutored Threat

Worldly Tutor

You cast Worldly Tutor to put a powerful creature on top of your library and draw it next turn. Once that creature is on the battlefield, your opponent attempts to destroy it. By casting Blossoming Defense, you ensure the creature you worked hard to find stays on the board, while also buffing its stats for a counter-attack.

Layering Defenses

Heroic Intervention

If an opponent attempts to exile your creature (which Heroic Intervention's indestructible doesn't prevent), you can cast Blossoming Defense to give it hexproof so the exile spell loses its target. Alternatively, if an opponent plays a spell that deals damage to all creatures, you would use Heroic Intervention instead, as Blossoming Defense only protects against targeted effects.