Dragon's PresenceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Combat Specialization

This spell is restricted to the combat phase. It can only target a creature that is currently designated as an attacker or a blocker. If you try to cast it during a main phase against a creature that isn't in combat, it won't be a legal target.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, wait for your opponent to declare attackers or for you to declare blockers. Once a creature is officially in combat, cast Dragon's Presence and choose that creature as the target. Upon resolution, the spell deals 5 damage to that creature. If the damage equals or exceeds the creature's toughness, it is destroyed and moved to the graveyard as a state-based action.

Timing and Restrictions

A common mistake is trying to use this spell after combat has ended. Once the combat phase is over, creatures are no longer considered attacking or blocking. Additionally, if the target creature gains protection from white or becomes an illegal target before the spell resolves, the damage will not be dealt.

Tactical Application

Dragon's Presence is best used to take down high-toughness blockers that are preventing your creatures from getting through, or to eliminate an opponent's key attacker before it can deal combat damage to you.

Interaction examples

Handling Elephant Tokens

Generous Gift

If your opponent uses Generous Gift to destroy one of your permanents, you receive a 3/3 Elephant creature token. When your opponent attacks with a creature later, you can block with that Elephant. During the declare blockers step, you can then cast Dragon's Presence to deal 5 damage to the creature your Elephant is blocking, likely destroying it.

Protection Interference

Teferi's Protection

If you target an opponent's attacking creature with Dragon's Presence and they respond by casting Teferi's Protection, the creature (along with their other permanents) will phase out. Since phased-out permanents are treated as though they don't exist, Dragon's Presence will lose its target and fail to resolve.

Defensive Maneuvers

When an opponent attacks you with a 5/5 creature, you can cast Dragon's Presence targeting it during the declare attackers step. The spell deals 5 damage, destroying the creature before it even has the chance to assign combat damage to you.