Gabriel Lorca, Mirror MenaceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Dilemmas

A dilemma in Magic occurs whenever a spell or ability you control asks you to choose one or more modes. This is common with 'Choose one' or 'Choose two' effects. Every time you make such a choice while Gabriel Lorca, Mirror Menace is in your graveyard, his triggered ability goes on the stack, allowing you to pay one black mana to recover him.

Resolution Step by Step

First, cast a spell or trigger an ability that requires choosing a mode. Second, as that spell or ability is put on the stack, the choice is made. Third, Gabriel Lorca's ability triggers from the graveyard. Fourth, when the trigger resolves, you decide whether to pay the black mana. Finally, if you paid, Gabriel moves from your graveyard to your hand.

Common Mistakes

Players often think this ability works if Gabriel Lorca is on the battlefield; however, the ability specifically triggers only while he is in the graveyard. Additionally, this does not trigger for simple targets or 'may' abilities that do not involve modal choices. You must be choosing between predefined modes.

When to Play Him

Gabriel Lorca is best used in decks that utilize the graveyard as a second hand. Because he has menace, he can pressure opponents early. If he dies, simply cast a modal spell to bring him back, ensuring you never run out of threats.

Interaction examples

Double the Return

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and have chosen 'Human', Gabriel Lorca's graveyard ability is not affected because Roaming Throne only doubles abilities of creatures you control on the battlefield. You will only get one trigger per dilemma.

Generic Value Interaction

Solemn Simulacrum

If Gabriel Lorca, Mirror Menace is in your graveyard and you play Solemn Simulacrum, Gabriel's ability will NOT trigger. Solemn Simulacrum's enter-the-battlefield effect is a single choice (searching for a land) rather than a modal 'choose one' dilemma.

Menace in Combat

With Gabriel Lorca, Mirror Menace on the battlefield, he requires at least two creatures to be blocked. If your opponent only has one creature, Gabriel Lorca deals damage directly to them, forcing them to find more blockers or removal.