Ghost WardenHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Ghost Warden possesses an activated ability that targets a single creature on the battlefield. When you activate this ability by tapping Ghost Warden, the chosen creature receives a +1/+1 bonus to its power and toughness until the current turn ends.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must pay the cost by tapping Ghost Warden while it is under your control and does not have summoning sickness. Second, you choose a legal target creature anywhere on the battlefield. Once the ability resolves, the +1/+1 modification is applied immediately and persists through all phases of the turn, including combat and the second main phase.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to use Ghost Warden the same turn it enters the battlefield; because it is a creature, it must wait until you begin a turn with it under your control to use its tap ability. Additionally, remember that the bonus is temporary; it will wear off during the cleanup step, so don't count on that extra toughness to save a creature during your opponent's subsequent turn.

When to Play It

Ghost Warden is best utilized during the declare attackers or declare blockers step to change the outcome of combat. It is also highly effective when paired with creatures that have abilities scaling with their power, allowing you to tax opponents more heavily or survive larger blockers.

Interaction examples

Taxing the Opponent

Esper Sentinel

If an opponent casts a noncreature spell, you can respond by tapping Ghost Warden to target Esper Sentinel. This increases Esper Sentinel's power to 2, forcing the opponent to pay {2} instead of {1} to prevent you from drawing a card.

Protecting Your Mana Dork

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent casts a spell that deals 2 damage to your Ornithopter of Paradise, you can tap Ghost Warden in response. The Ornithopter of Paradise becomes a 1/3, allowing it to survive the damage and remain on the battlefield to produce mana later.