Fynn, the FangbearerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Poisonous Precision

Fynn, the Fangbearer has deathtouch, but his primary strength lies in his triggered ability. Whenever a creature you control with deathtouch deals combat damage to a player, that player receives two poison counters. According to the game rules, any player who accumulates ten or more poison counters loses the game immediately as a state-based action.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must declare attackers, choosing creatures that have the deathtouch keyword. If a deathtouch creature is not blocked and deals combat damage to the defending player, Fynn's ability triggers. When the trigger resolves, the player gains two poison counters. If you attack with multiple deathtouch creatures and they all connect, Fynn's ability triggers separately for each one, potentially adding many counters in a single turn.

Timing and Persistence

It is important to note that Fynn, the Fangbearer only needs to be on the battlefield at the moment the combat damage is dealt to trigger the ability. If Fynn is removed after the damage is dealt but before the counters are added, the ability on the stack still resolves. Additionally, as the official rulings state, Fynn does not need to be on the battlefield for a player to lose the game once they reach ten poison counters; that is a fundamental rule of Magic.

When to Deploy Fynn

Fynn is most effective in decks featuring low-cost deathtouch creatures. Because the ability triggers on combat damage, your goal is to force the opponent into a 'lose-lose' situation: they either lose their creatures by blocking your deathtouch attackers or they take poison counters by letting them through. You should play Fynn when you have established a board presence to immediately threaten a win.

Interaction examples

Direct Combat

Poison Counter

You attack an opponent with Fynn, the Fangbearer. Because Fynn has deathtouch, if he is not blocked, his ability triggers. The opponent receives two poison counters. If they already had eight counters, they reach ten and lose the game immediately.

Non-Deathtouch Interactions

Llanowar Elves

You attack with both Fynn, the Fangbearer and Llanowar Elves. Both creatures deal combat damage to the player. Only Fynn's damage triggers the ability because Llanowar Elves does not have deathtouch. The opponent receives exactly two poison counters from Fynn.

Mana Acceleration for Speed

Birds of Paradise

You play Birds of Paradise on turn one. On turn two, you tap it for green mana to play Fynn, the Fangbearer. While Birds of Paradise doesn't have deathtouch, it provides the mana needed to get Fynn on the board early, allowing you to start applying poison pressure before the opponent can set up a defense.