Dissension in the RanksHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

This spell targets two different creatures that have been declared as blockers during the current combat phase. It forces these two creatures to fight, meaning each creature deals damage equal to its power to the other. This occurs during the Declare Blockers step or the Combat Damage step, effectively removing threats before they can deal damage to your attacking creatures.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must wait until your opponent has legally declared blockers. Once blockers are set, you cast Dissension in the Ranks by targeting two specific blocking creatures. When the spell resolves, the two creatures deal damage to each other simultaneously. If either creature dies from this damage, it is moved to the graveyard before the normal combat damage step occurs. Note that even if a blocker is destroyed this way, the attacking creature it was originally blocking remains 'blocked' and will not deal damage to the player unless it has trample.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to cast this spell on creatures that aren't blocking. You cannot target an attacking creature and a blocking creature; both targets must have the 'blocking' status. Additionally, remember that fighting is not combat damage. Abilities like first strike do not apply during a fight, though deathtouch and lifelink still function as expected.

When to Play It

The best time to use this spell is when your opponent double-blocks one of your large creatures or when they have two high-power defenders. By forcing them to fight, you can often trade two of their creatures for a single card. Because this spell costs five mana, including two red pips, it is best played in decks that can generate extra mana or reach the mid-game comfortably.

Interaction examples

Funding the Infighting

Big Score

If you are short on mana to cast Dissension in the Ranks during your combat phase, you can cast Big Score beforehand. By discarding a card, you draw two new options and create two Treasure tokens. You can then sacrifice those Treasures to provide the necessary red mana to cast Dissension in the Ranks once your opponent declares their blockers.

Managing Resources

Unexpected Windfall

During a complex board state, you might use Unexpected Windfall on your opponent's turn to dig for answers. If you find Dissension in the Ranks, the two Treasure tokens created by Unexpected Windfall can help pay for the high mana cost of the spell on your subsequent turn, allowing you to force two problematic blockers to destroy each other.