Deeptread MerrowHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Deeptread Merrow is a 2/1 creature for two mana. Its primary strength lies in its activated ability: by paying one blue mana, it gains the keyword 'islandwalk' until the end of the turn. This means that if the opponent you are attacking controls at least one land with the Island subtype, Deeptread Merrow cannot be blocked by any of their creatures.

Step-by-Step Resolution

To use Deeptread Merrow effectively, you must activate its ability before the declare blockers step. First, ensure you have one blue mana available in your mana pool. Second, announce the activation and pay the cost. Once the ability resolves, Deeptread Merrow gains islandwalk. Finally, when you move to the declare blockers step, if the defending player has an Island, they cannot assign any blockers to Deeptread Merrow.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that islandwalk depends on the land type, not just the name. A non-basic land with the Island subtype will trigger islandwalk, but a land that produces blue mana without the Island subtype will not. Additionally, activating the ability after your opponent has already declared a blocker will not remove that blocker from combat.

When to Play It

Deeptread Merrow is best utilized in aggressive blue decks or 'Merfolk tribal' strategies. It shines when your opponent is playing blue, as they are almost guaranteed to have Islands. If they aren't playing blue, you may need additional cards to change their land types to ensure your Rogue reaches its target.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Walk

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you lack blue lands but control Ornithopter of Paradise, you can tap the Ornithopter to add one blue mana. You then spend this mana to activate Deeptread Merrow's ability, granting it islandwalk even if your own mana base is primarily colorless or different colors.

Efficient Deployment

Foundry Inspector

While Foundry Inspector reduces the cost of artifact spells, it does not reduce the cost of Deeptread Merrow or its activated ability. You will still pay the full two mana to cast the Merfolk and one blue mana for the ability, though the Inspector provides a sturdy 3/2 body to fight alongside your unblockable Rogue.