DeadshotHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Deadshot has two primary effects that happen in sequence. First, it taps a target creature. Second, that same creature deals damage equal to its current power to a different target creature. This spell requires two distinct targets to be cast: the creature doing the damage and the creature receiving the damage.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When Deadshot resolves, you follow the instructions in order. First, the first target creature becomes tapped. Even if that creature is already tapped, the spell continues to resolve. Next, the game checks the first creature's power; it then deals that much damage to the second target creature. If either target becomes illegal before resolution, the remaining effect still happens if possible. If both targets become illegal, the spell fails to resolve.

Common Mistakes

A frequent misconception is that the first creature must be untapped for the spell to work. Since tapping the creature is an effect and not a cost, you can target a creature that attacked last turn or was tapped for an ability. Additionally, remember that the damage is dealt by the creature itself, not by Deadshot, meaning abilities like deathtouch or lifelink on the first creature will apply.

When to Play It

Deadshot is most effective when your opponent has a high-power creature and a high-value utility creature. It is best played during your pre-combat main phase to remove a blocker or trigger 'whenever a creature deals damage' abilities you might control. Because it costs four mana, it is often paired with rituals to ensure you have enough resources for follow-up plays.

Interaction examples

Generating Mana for the Shot

Mana Geyser

If your opponents have many tapped lands, you can cast Mana Geyser to generate a large amount of red mana. Use four of that mana to cast Deadshot, tapping a massive threat your opponent just played and using it to destroy another one of their creatures, leaving you with surplus mana to cast more spells.

The Commander's Advantage

Jeska's Will

With your commander on the battlefield, cast Jeska's Will to exile the top three cards of your library and add mana based on an opponent's hand size. If Deadshot is one of the exiled cards, you can use the red mana generated to cast it immediately, tapping down a potential blocker before you move to your combat phase.