Gravel SlingerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Archery and Morph

Gravel Slinger serves two roles: a standard 4-mana 2/2 Soldier and a hidden threat. Its activated ability allows it to tap and deal 1 damage to a target creature, but only if that creature is currently declared as an attacker or a blocker. Using Morph, you can cast it face down as a colorless 2/2 for 3 generic mana. At any time you have priority, you can pay its Morph cost of 1W to turn it face up; this action does not use the stack and cannot be responded to, allowing you to surprise an opponent with a pinging ability they didn't see coming.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must wait until the Declare Attackers or Declare Blockers step of combat. Once a creature is legally designated as attacking or blocking, you activate the ability by tapping Gravel Slinger and choosing that creature as the target. The ability goes on the stack. When it resolves, it deals 1 damage to the target. Note that the target remains 'attacking' or 'blocking' until the end of the combat phase, so you can even use this ability after combat damage has been dealt but before the phase ends.

Timing and Common Mistakes

A common mistake is trying to target a creature before it has been declared as an attacker or blocker. You cannot use this ability during the Main Phase or the Beginning of Combat step to target a creature you 'think' will attack. Additionally, remember that turning a creature face up via Morph is a special action. If you turn Gravel Slinger face up, you can immediately activate its tap ability before your opponent can cast a spell to remove it, provided it doesn't have summoning sickness.

When to Play Gravel Slinger

Gravel Slinger is best played when you need to punish 'x/1' creatures or finish off larger creatures that have already taken damage during combat. Because the Morph cost is cheaper than the hard-cast cost, it is often more efficient to play it face down on turn 3 and flip it on turn 4, leaving mana open for other spells or to threaten the activation.

Interaction examples

Taking Down a Scout

If your opponent attacks with a 1/1 creature, you can tap Gravel Slinger during the Declare Attackers step. The ability deals 1 damage, destroying the creature before it even has a chance to deal combat damage to you.

The Morph Surprise

Morph

You have a face-down creature (using a Morph reminder card). Your opponent attacks with a 2/2. You block with your face-down 2/2. After blockers are declared, you pay 1W to turn Gravel Slinger face up. You then tap it to deal 1 damage to the creature it is blocking. During the damage step, your 2/2 deals its combat damage, resulting in a total of 3 damage to the attacker, ensuring its destruction.

Strategic Interactions

Solemn Simulacrum

Your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum. You block with a 1/1 token. After combat damage is dealt, the Solemn Simulacrum has 1 damage marked on it. Before the end of the combat phase, you tap Gravel Slinger to deal 1 additional damage to the attacking Golem, dealing the second point of damage needed to destroy it.

Type Synergy

Roaming Throne

You control Roaming Throne with 'Human' or 'Soldier' chosen. While Gravel Slinger's tap ability is an activated ability, not a triggered one, Roaming Throne will not double the damage. However, Roaming Throne itself can be targeted by Gravel Slinger if it is attacking or blocking, as the Slinger only requires the target to be a creature in combat.