DemoralizeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Breaking Down the Effects

When Demoralize resolves, it first gives all creatures menace until the end of the turn. This keyword ability means that any creature attempting to block must do so in a pair or larger group with other creatures. However, the spell also features the Threshold mechanic. If you have seven or more cards in your graveyard as the spell resolves, the second effect kicks in, stating that creatures simply cannot block at all for the remainder of the turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Demoralize and pay the mana cost of two generic and one red mana. Once it resolves, the game checks your graveyard count for the Threshold condition. If you have fewer than seven cards, every creature currently on the battlefield (including your own and your opponents') gains menace. If you have seven or more cards, a 'can't block' restriction is applied to all creatures for the turn. Note that this effect is locked in upon resolution; creatures entering the battlefield later in the turn will still be affected by the 'can't block' restriction or the menace keyword.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Demoralize affects all creatures, not just yours. While giving your opponent's creatures menace usually won't matter on your turn, the 'can't block' effect applies globally. Additionally, because Demoralize does not target any specific creature or player, cards like Deflecting Swat cannot change its effects to target someone else. Once the spell begins resolving, your graveyard count is checked only then; if a card like Chaos Warp removes a card from your graveyard while Demoralize is still on the stack, it could potentially deactivate the Threshold effect.

When to Play It

The optimal time to cast Demoralize is during your beginning of combat step or your declare attackers step. If you have Threshold, it ensures your creatures deal damage directly to the opponent. If you don't have Threshold, it forces your opponent to commit two blockers to every one of your attackers, which can lead to favorable trades or chip damage through a crowded board.

Interaction examples

Standard Menace Push

You cast Demoralize while having three cards in your graveyard. All creatures gain menace. When you attack with a single creature, your opponent must now commit at least two creatures to block it, or let the damage through.

Achieving Threshold

Chaos Warp

You cast Demoralize with six cards in your graveyard. In response, an opponent casts Chaos Warp on one of your enchantments. The enchantment goes into your library, but if the card revealed is a non-permanent that goes to the graveyard, or if another effect adds a card to your graveyard before Demoralize resolves, you reach the seven-card Threshold. Now, no creatures can block at all this turn.

Interaction with Target Redirects

Deflecting Swat

You cast Demoralize. An opponent attempts to use Deflecting Swat to change the targets. However, because Demoralize does not use the word 'target,' Deflecting Swat has no legal targets to change. The spell will resolve as normal, affecting all creatures.