Duct CrawlerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Precision Evasion

Duct Crawler features a activated ability that costs one generic and one red mana. When you activate this, you target a specific creature your opponent controls. For the rest of the turn, that targeted creature is legally unable to be declared as a blocker for Duct Crawler. Note that this does not prevent other creatures from blocking; it only restricts the specific target you chose during the activation.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you must activate the ability during your precombat main phase or the beginning of combat step. You pay the mana and choose a target creature. Once the ability resolves, a continuous effect is created that lasts until the end of the turn. When you move to the declare blockers step, your opponent cannot choose the targeted creature to block Duct Crawler. If you want to make Duct Crawler completely unblockable, you must activate the ability multiple times, targeting every potential blocker your opponent controls.

Timing and Common Mistakes

A common mistake is waiting until after blockers are declared to activate the ability. Once a creature has legally blocked Duct Crawler, activating the ability will not 'unblock' it or remove it from combat. You must use the ability before the 'Declare Blockers' step begins. Additionally, remember that this ability only affects the chosen creature's ability to block Duct Crawler; that creature can still block other attacking creatures you control.

Strategic Implementation

Duct Crawler is most effective when the opponent relies on a single high-value blocker or a creature with Reach or Flying to stop your attacks. Because the ability is repeatable, it scales well into the late game if you have excess mana to spend, effectively neutralizing an entire defensive line one by one.

Interaction examples

Bypassing Aerial Defense

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent controls an Ornithopter of Paradise, they might intend to use its Flying ability to block attackers. By spending one generic and one red mana, you can target the Ornithopter of Paradise with Duct Crawler's ability. Even though the Thopter has Flying, it is now legally prohibited from blocking Duct Crawler this turn, allowing the Insect to deal damage directly to the player.

Clearing the Path for Legends

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

While Duct Crawler's ability only makes itself harder to block, it serves as a great companion to Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer. If your opponent only has one blocker, you can use Duct Crawler's ability to ensure Duct Crawler gets through. While this doesn't help Ragavan directly, in scenarios where the opponent must choose between blocking one of two threats, removing their best blocker's ability to stop Duct Crawler forces them to make difficult tactical decisions during the declare blockers step.

Solo Aggression

In a vacuum, if you have four mana available (two generic and two red), you can activate Duct Crawler's ability twice, targeting two different creatures. This allows Duct Crawler to walk past a pair of potential blockers, which is particularly useful for dealing the final points of damage in a game where the board state has stalled.