Boros RecruitHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding First Strike

Boros Recruit features the first strike ability, which fundamentally changes how combat damage is processed. In the combat phase, a special first strike combat damage step is created; Boros Recruit deals its damage before creatures without first strike or double strike can even swing their weapons.

Hybrid Mana Flexibility

The mana cost of Boros Recruit is a single hybrid Red/White symbol. This means you can cast it using one mana of either color. It counts as both a red and a white permanent regardless of which mana was used to pay for it, which can be relevant for effects that care about color.

Combat Resolution Step-by-Step

When Boros Recruit attacks or blocks, the game checks for first strike. Step one: Boros Recruit deals damage equal to its power to the creature it is in combat with. Step two: If the opposing creature survived that damage, it then deals its damage back to Boros Recruit during the regular combat damage step. If Boros Recruit's damage was lethal, it survives the encounter unscathed.

Strategic Timing

Because it only costs one mana, Boros Recruit is most effective when played on turn one. This allows you to start applying pressure immediately or to hold the line against other small aggressive creatures that lack first strike.

Interaction examples

Aerial Support and Mana Fixing

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you have Ornithopter of Paradise on the battlefield, you can tap it to produce either Red or White mana to cast Boros Recruit. This allows you to save your lands for other spells while developing a first strike blocker to protect your mana-producing Thopter.

Early Game Pressure

Esper Sentinel

Playing Boros Recruit alongside Esper Sentinel creates a difficult situation for your opponent. While Boros Recruit threatens their life total with first strike, Esper Sentinel punishes them for casting noncreature spells to try and remove your creatures, ensuring you maintain hand advantage.

Defensive Maneuvers

When an opponent attacks with a 1/1 creature without first strike, you can block with Boros Recruit. During the first strike damage step, Boros Recruit deals 1 damage to the attacker, destroying it. The regular combat damage step occurs, but since the attacker is already destroyed, Boros Recruit takes no damage.