Godo, Bandit Warlord — ruling 1

Unlike many effects that grant additional combat phases, you don't get an additional main phase with Godo, Bandit Warlord's ability. The additional combat phase happens immediately after the first combat phase.

Godo, Bandit Warlord : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Godo, Bandit Warlord is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

When Godo enters, you may search your library for an Equipment card, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle. Whenever Godo attacks for the first time each turn, untap it and all Samurai you control. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Complete guide

Godo, Bandit Warlord is a high-impact red legendary creature that has become a staple in both casual and competitive formats. This Barbarian is famous for his ability to fetch powerful weapons and lead his allies into back-to-back battles. Whether you are looking for a lethal combo or simply a way to double your combat triggers, Godo delivers exceptional value.

Equipment Recruitment

When Godo, Bandit Warlord enters the battlefield, you trigger his first ability. This allows you to search your library for any Equipment card and put it directly onto the battlefield. Because the Equipment enters the battlefield without being cast, it cannot be countered by spells that target spells. Note that while the Equipment enters the battlefield, Godo does not automatically equip it; you must still pay the equip cost or use another effect to attach it.

Sequential Combat Phases

Godo's second ability triggers the very first time he is declared as an attacker during a turn. When this resolves, Godo and all Samurai you control are untapped. Immediately following the current combat phase, a new combat phase begins. It is important to remember that there is no main phase between these two combats. You move straight from the end of the first combat to the beginning of the second, meaning any 'until end of turn' effects or 'at beginning of combat' triggers will apply or trigger again.

Strategic Timing and Common Errors

A common mistake is assuming Godo provides an extra main phase like other cards such as Aurelia, the Warleader. Because Godo lacks this, you cannot cast sorcery-speed spells between your two attacks. Additionally, if Godo is put onto the battlefield already attacking (via an effect like 'tapped and attacking'), his ability will not trigger because he was never 'declared' as an attacker. He must be untapped and ready to be declared as an attacker during the declare attackers step of the first combat phase.

Interaction examples

Double the Primal Storm

Etali, Primal Storm

If you control both creatures and attack with them, Etali, Primal Storm triggers to exile and cast spells. Godo's ability also triggers, untapping himself and providing an extra combat. During the second combat phase, you can attack with Etali again. This results in two separate Etali triggers in one turn, potentially allowing you to cast up to eight free spells depending on the number of players.

Treasure Hoarding with Goldspan Dragon

Goldspan Dragon

When you declare an attack with Goldspan Dragon and Godo, Bandit Warlord, the Dragon creates a Treasure token. Godo untaps himself and creates a second combat phase. Although Goldspan Dragon does not untap from Godo's ability (since it is not Godo or a Samurai), if you have a way to untap the Dragon, attacking a second time will trigger its ability again, creating another Treasure token.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Godo, Bandit Warlord

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1August 7, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
Unlike many effects that grant additional combat phases, you don't get an additional main phase with Godo, Bandit Warlord's ability. The additional combat phase happens immediately after the first combat phase.
No other card is named in this ruling.