Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 1

To double the number of +1/+1 counters on a permanent, put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number it already has. Other cards that interact with putting counters on it will interact with this effect accordingly.

Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 2

Each magecraft ability has a different effect, although they all have the same trigger condition, whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell.

Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 3

For example, if you control Archmage Emeritus and cast an instant or sorcery spell, Archmage Emeritus’s magecraft ability will trigger and you will draw a card.

Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 4

If an effect creates a copy of an instant or sorcery spell, this will also cause the magecraft ability to trigger.

Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 5

If an effect creates multiple copies of an instant or sorcery spell, magecraft abilities trigger once for each copy created by the effect.

Dragonsguard Elite — ruling 6

Some effects instruct you to copy an instant or sorcery card in a zone other than the stack. These copies do not cause magecraft abilities to trigger. However, most effects that do this also allow you to cast the copy, and casting the copy will cause magecraft abilities to trigger.

Dragonsguard Elite : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Dragonsguard Elite is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Magecraft — Whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. : Double the number of +1/+1 counters on this creature.

Complete guide

Dragonsguard Elite is a powerful Human Druid that scales rapidly in any deck heavy on spells. By utilizing the Magecraft mechanic, this creature grows every time you interact with the stack, eventually becoming a massive threat through its activated ability.

Magecraft Explained

The Magecraft keyword is a triggered ability that goes on the stack whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell. For Dragonsguard Elite, this means receiving a +1/+1 counter. Note that if you use an effect that creates multiple copies of a spell, this ability triggers separately for each individual copy created.

Doubling Down

The second ability allows you to spend six mana to double the +1/+1 counters on Dragonsguard Elite. To double the counters, you count how many +1/+1 counters are currently on the creature and then place that many additional counters on it. This works even if the creature has zero counters, though doubling zero will result in zero.

Timing and Strategy

Because the Magecraft ability triggers upon casting, the counter is placed on Dragonsguard Elite before the spell that triggered it actually resolves. This is useful for protecting the creature from damage-based removal spells that might be played in response to your sorcery.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake involves copying cards in zones other than the stack, such as the graveyard. Magecraft only triggers when a spell is cast or a spell on the stack is copied. If an effect merely copies a card in a graveyard without instructing you to cast that copy, the Elite will not receive a counter.

Interaction examples

Early Game Growth

Llanowar Elves

On turn one, you play Llanowar Elves. On turn two, you use the mana from the Elf and a land to cast Dragonsguard Elite. By having the Elf early, you accelerate your mana to reach the six-mana doubling ability faster in later turns.

Mana Fix for the Finisher

Birds of Paradise

If you are playing a multi-color deck, Birds of Paradise provides the specific green mana required for the {4}{G}{G} activated ability. Once you activate the ability, if Dragonsguard Elite had three +1/+1 counters, you add three more, bringing the total to six counters.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Dragonsguard Elite

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
To double the number of +1/+1 counters on a permanent, put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number it already has. Other cards that interact with putting counters on it will interact with this effect accordingly.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Each magecraft ability has a different effect, although they all have the same trigger condition, whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
For example, if you control Archmage Emeritus and cast an instant or sorcery spell, Archmage Emeritus’s magecraft ability will trigger and you will draw a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect creates a copy of an instant or sorcery spell, this will also cause the magecraft ability to trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect creates multiple copies of an instant or sorcery spell, magecraft abilities trigger once for each copy created by the effect.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6April 16, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Some effects instruct you to copy an instant or sorcery card in a zone other than the stack. These copies do not cause magecraft abilities to trigger. However, most effects that do this also allow you to cast the copy, and casting the copy will cause magecraft abilities to trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.