Combat TutorialHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Targeting Mechanics

This spell has two separate targets: a player and up to one creature you control. Because the creature target uses the 'up to one' phrasing, you can cast this spell even if you control no creatures or simply don't wish to target one. However, you must always choose a target player to draw the cards.

Resolution Process

When Combat Tutorial resolves, the target player draws two cards first. Immediately after, you place a +1/+1 counter on the targeted creature. If the creature becomes an illegal target before the spell resolves (for example, it leaves the battlefield), the target player still draws two cards. If the player becomes an illegal target, the entire spell fails and the counter is not placed.

Strategic Implementation

Since this is a sorcery, you should typically play it during your pre-combat main phase if you intend to use the +1/+1 counter for an attack. If you are looking for specific answers, casting it before using other search or draw effects can help you optimize your sequencing.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that the player drawing cards does not have to be the same person who controls the creature. While you must target a creature you control for the counter, you can technically target an opponent to draw cards if a specific game state requires it, though this is rare.

Interaction examples

Tutorial into Fabrication

Fabricate

You cast Combat Tutorial, drawing two cards and buffing your creature. Among the new cards is Fabricate. You then cast Fabricate to search your library for a powerful artifact, effectively using the momentum from the Tutorial to set up your next big play.

The Big Draw Sequence

Windfall

You have a small hand and cast Combat Tutorial targeting yourself to draw two cards. Now that your hand size has increased, you cast Windfall. Because you have more cards in hand, every player will likely discard and draw more cards than they would have if you hadn't completed your Tutorial first.