Dockside ChefHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Reusable Resource Engine

The core of Dockside Chef is its activated ability. By paying one generic and one black mana, and sacrificing either an artifact or a creature, you get to draw a card. Since the ability doesn't require tapping, you can use it multiple times in a single turn as long as you have the mana and fodder to fuel it.

How the Ability Resolves

First, you announce the ability and pay the mana cost of {1}{B}. Next, you choose a creature or artifact you control to sacrifice. This sacrifice is part of the cost; it happens immediately and cannot be responded to by your opponents to prevent the sacrifice. Once the cost is paid, the ability goes on the stack, and if it resolves, you draw your card.

Timing and Strategy

Because this is an activated ability without a 'sorcery-speed' restriction, you can use it at any time you have priority. This makes it an excellent response to an opponent's removal spells. If a creature is about to die anyway, sacrificing it to the Chef ensures you get value out of it before it hits the graveyard.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that Dockside Chef can sacrifice itself, as it is a creature. However, if you sacrifice the Chef to its own ability, you can no longer use it for the rest of the turn unless you bring it back from the graveyard. Also, ensure you have the mana ready; you cannot sacrifice a permanent to the Chef and then try to tap that same permanent for mana to pay the cost.

Interaction examples

Gaining Life While Drawing

Blood Artist

With both on the battlefield, you pay {1}{B} and sacrifice another creature to Dockside Chef. Blood Artist sees a creature die and triggers, causing an opponent to lose 1 life and you to gain 1 life. Then, Dockside Chef's ability resolves and you draw a card.

The Last Flight

Ornithopter of Paradise

If an opponent targets your Ornithopter of Paradise with a spell like Destroy Evil, you can respond by tapping the Ornithopter for {B}. Then, use that mana plus one generic mana to activate Dockside Chef, sacrificing the Ornithopter. You draw a card, and your opponent's spell fails to find its target.

Self-Sacrifice for Survival

If an opponent casts a spell that would exile Dockside Chef, you can pay {1}{B} and sacrifice Dockside Chef to itself. The Chef goes to the graveyard instead of exile, and you still draw a card, potentially setting up a graveyard recursion play later.