Ghazbán OgressHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Ghazbán Ogress is a creature that triggers immediately upon entering the battlefield. It checks the win records of every player involved in the game for that specific day. If there is a single player who has won more games than any other player, that player gains control of Ghazbán Ogress. If there is a tie for the most wins, or if no games have been played yet that day, the ability does nothing and the Ogress stays with the player who cast it.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the Ghazbán Ogress spell resolves and enters the battlefield under your control. Second, the enter-the-battlefield ability is placed on the stack. Third, as the ability resolves, players check their records for the day. Finally, if one player is the undisputed leader in wins, control of the Ogress shifts to them immediately. This change of control is permanent unless another effect changes it later.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the Ogress checks who is winning the current game; however, it only looks at completed Magic games from earlier that day. Additionally, the ability only triggers when it enters the battlefield. Unlike its predecessor Ghazbán Ogre, the Ogress does not check win counts during upkeep, so you don't have to worry about losing her later if your opponent wins a subsequent game in the same match.

When to Play It

This card is most effective when you are the dominant player of the day or when you are the first one to play a game. Since ties result in no change of control, playing this in your very first match of the day ensures you keep the 2/2 body for a low cost. It is also an excellent early-game play to apply pressure if you've already had a successful tournament run.

Interaction examples

Early Turn Acceleration

Llanowar Elves

On turn one, you play Llanowar Elves. On turn two, you tap the Elves for green mana and use a land to cast Ghazbán Ogress. If you have won 2 games today and your opponent has won 0, the Ogress enters, checks the score, and stays under your control as a powerful 2/2 attacker.

The Danger of Losing Streaks

Birds of Paradise

You use Birds of Paradise to fix your mana and cast Ghazbán Ogress. However, if your opponent has won 3 games today and you have only won 1, the Ogress's ability triggers. Upon resolution, control of the Ogress passes to your opponent because they have the most wins for the day. You essentially spent mana to give your opponent a creature.

The First Game of the Day

You cast Ghazbán Ogress in the very first game of a local event. Since no one has won any games yet today, there is no player who has won 'more' games than any other. The condition for the control change fails, and you keep the Ogress.