Brash TaunterHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Brash Taunter Does

Brash Taunter has three distinct parts that make it a powerhouse: Indestructible, a triggered ability that reflects damage, and an activated ability to force combat. It doesn't just sit there; it punishes opponents for having high-power creatures by reflecting every point of damage it receives directly to their life total. Because it is indestructible, damage marked on it does not cause it to be destroyed, allowing it to survive lethal blows repeatedly.

Resolving the Fight

When you activate the ability for {2}{R}, Brash Taunter and another target creature each deal damage equal to their power to each other. Step one: check if both targets are still legal. Step two: they simultaneously deal damage. Step three: Brash Taunter's middle ability triggers because it was dealt damage. Even if the other creature has enough power to normally kill the Goblin, the Indestructible keyword keeps it on the board.

Common Mistakes

Players often think Brash Taunter only reflects damage up to its toughness, but this is incorrect. If it is dealt 10 damage, it deals 10 damage to the opponent, even though it only has 1 toughness. Additionally, remember that if the target creature leaves the battlefield before the fight ability resolves, the ability fizzles and no damage is dealt at all. Finally, if you lose the game at the same time the Goblin takes damage, you lose before the triggered ability can even be put on the stack.

When to Play It

This card is best used in mid-to-late game scenarios where the board is stalled. It excels against 'tall' decks that rely on one or two massive creatures. By tapping it to fight, you can bypass the combat phase entirely to deal direct damage. It also serves as a perfect deterrent, as opponents will be hesitant to attack into an indestructible creature that hurts them back.

Interaction examples

The Goblin and the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

You activate Brash Taunter's ability targeting Solemn Simulacrum. Upon resolution, the Taunter deals 1 damage to the Golem, and the Golem deals 2 damage to the Taunter. The Golem dies (triggering its draw ability), and the Taunter's ability triggers, dealing 2 damage to your target opponent.

Doubling the Pain

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Goblin', Brash Taunter's triggered ability triggers an additional time. If Brash Taunter is dealt 5 damage, its reflect ability triggers twice, allowing you to deal a total of 10 damage to your target opponent.