Conclave Sledge-CaptainHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Triple Backup

Conclave Sledge-Captain features 'Backup 1' printed three separate times. When it enters the battlefield, three distinct triggered abilities go onto the stack. For each trigger, you choose a target creature. You can target the Sledge-Captain itself to receive three +1/+1 counters, or you can target one, two, or three other creatures. If you target another creature, that creature gains Trample and the ability to generate +1/+1 counters based on combat damage dealt to a player until the end of the turn.

The Resolution Process

As the Elephant Soldier enters, you put the three backup triggers on the stack in any order. Each trigger resolves individually. First, you check if the target is still legal; if it is, you place a +1/+1 counter on it. If that target is not the Sledge-Captain, it gains the printed abilities listed below the backup text. Because these are separate triggers, if you target the same creature with all three, it will gain three instances of the damage-trigger ability, effectively tripling the counters it receives upon hitting a player.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common point of confusion is whether the Sledge-Captain loses its abilities when it shares them. It does not; the Elephant keeps Trample and its counter-generating ability regardless of where the backup triggers go. Additionally, remember that backup only shares abilities printed below it. If the Sledge-Captain gained flying from another spell before its triggers resolved, it would not pass flying to the targets. Lastly, if the Sledge-Captain is destroyed while its triggers are still on the stack, the targets will still receive the counters and the abilities based on what was printed on the Elephant.

Strategic Deployment

This card is best used when you already have a board presence capable of attacking immediately. Since the granted abilities only last until the end of the turn, you want to target creatures that do not have summoning sickness. It is a fantastic finisher for decks that struggle to push damage through blockers, as it provides both the evasion of Trample and the scaling threat of permanent +1/+1 counters.

Interaction examples

Reinforcing the Frontline

Avenger of Zendikar

You have Avenger of Zendikar and several Plant tokens on the battlefield. You cast Conclave Sledge-Captain. When it enters, you target one Plant token with all three backup triggers. That Plant gets three +1/+1 counters (becoming a 3/4) and gains three instances of the 'combat damage equals counters' ability. When that Plant deals 3 damage to a player, each of the three triggered abilities will resolve, putting 3 counters on it each time, for a total of 9 additional +1/+1 counters.

The Solo Powerhouse

If you control no other creatures, you must target Conclave Sledge-Captain with its own backup triggers. It enters as a 5/5 and receives three +1/+1 counters, becoming an 8/8. Because it targeted itself, it does not 'gain' new abilities, but it still possesses its native Trample and counter-generating ability. When it deals 8 damage to a player, it will put 8 +1/+1 counters on itself.

Maximizing Untap Synergy

Seedborn Muse

You control Seedborn Muse and cast Conclave Sledge-Captain, targeting the Muse with all three backup triggers. The Muse becomes a 5/7 with Trample. During your combat phase, the Muse attacks and deals 5 damage to a player. Three triggers go on the stack, each adding 5 counters, making the Muse a 20/22. Thanks to the Muse's own ability, she will untap on the opponent's turn, standing ready as a massive blocker after her empowered attack.