Brass Squire — ruling 1

If one of the targets is illegal when the activated ability resolves, nothing will happen and the Equipment won't move. Notably, if an opponent gains control of either target in response, the Equipment won't move.

Brass Squire — ruling 2

Unlike the equip ability, Brass Squire's ability can be activated whenever you could cast an instant.

Brass Squire : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Brass Squire is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

: Attach target Equipment you control to target creature you control.

Complete guide

Brass Squire is a versatile Myr that specializes in high-speed tactical adjustments on the battlefield. By bypassing standard equip costs, this artifact creature allows you to reposition your arsenal at a moment's notice.

Master of Attachment

The primary function of Brass Squire is its activated ability, which allows you to tap it to attach an Equipment you control to a creature you control. Unlike the keyword 'Equip,' which can usually only be activated at sorcery speed, the Squire's ability can be used whenever you have priority, including during your opponent's turn or in the middle of combat.

Resolving the Ability

When you activate the ability, you must choose two targets: one Equipment and one creature, both of which you must control. Upon resolution, the game checks if both targets are still legal. If an opponent gains control of either target or if a target leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, the Equipment does not move and stays exactly where it was.

Strategic Timing

Since this ability does not have the timing restrictions of a standard equip cost, it is best used as a combat trick. You can wait to see how your opponent blocks before moving a powerful weapon to an unblocked attacker, or move a defensive item to a creature that has just been targeted by a damage-based spell.

Interaction examples

Surprise Combat Damage

During your declare attackers step, you attack with two small creatures. After your opponent declares no blockers, you activate Brass Squire to move an unattached Equipment providing +5/+5 to one of the attacking creatures. This allows you to deal massive damage that the opponent cannot prevent through traditional blocking.

Responding to Removal

If an opponent casts a spell to destroy your most powerful creature, you can tap Brass Squire in response. You move your Equipment to a different creature you control. This ensures that even if your creature dies, your Equipment is already safely attached to a new threat and ready for your next turn.

The Double Target Rule

You target your Equipment and your creature with Brass Squire. In response, your opponent casts a spell that gives your creature Protection from Artifacts. When the Squire's ability tries to resolve, the creature is an illegal target. Because one of the two targets is illegal, the ability does nothing and the Equipment stays where it was.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Brass Squire

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
If one of the targets is illegal when the activated ability resolves, nothing will happen and the Equipment won't move. Notably, if an opponent gains control of either target in response, the Equipment won't move.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
Unlike the equip ability, Brass Squire's ability can be activated whenever you could cast an instant.
No other card is named in this ruling.