Grenzo's CutthroatHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Dethrone

The core of Grenzo's Cutthroat is the Dethrone keyword. Whenever you declare this creature as an attacker, the game checks the life totals of all players. If the player being attacked has the most life, or is tied for the most life, Dethrone triggers. It is important to note that this check only happens at the moment you declare attackers; changes in life total later in the turn won't remove or add a trigger retroactively.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you move to the declare attackers step and choose Grenzo's Cutthroat to attack the player with the highest life. Second, the Dethrone ability is put onto the stack. Third, players may respond with spells or abilities. Finally, Dethrone resolves, placing a +1/+1 counter on the creature. Because this happens during the declare attackers step, the creature will already have its new power and toughness before the opponent chooses blockers.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is attacking a Planeswalker or a Battle controlled by the player with the most life. Dethrone specifically requires you to attack the player themselves; attacking their permanents will not trigger the ability. Additionally, in multiplayer games like Commander, if you attack a player who is tied for the most life, you still get the counter. However, if you are the one with the most life, you cannot trigger your own Dethrone.

When to Play It

Grenzo's Cutthroat is most effective in the early to mid-game when life totals fluctuate frequently. Its First Strike ability makes the +1/+1 counters even more valuable, as it can often destroy blockers before they have a chance to deal damage back. Use it to force difficult blocks from the player currently leading the game.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Aggression

Ornithopter of Paradise

You play Ornithopter of Paradise on turn two. On turn three, you tap the Ornithopter for Red mana to help cast Grenzo's Cutthroat early. If an opponent spent their early turns casting non-creature spells and has the highest life total, you can attack with the Cutthroat on turn four, ensuring it grows to a 2/2 with First Strike before they can establish a board presence.

Rewarding the Rebellion

Professional Face-Breaker

With both creatures on the battlefield, you attack the player with the most life with Grenzo's Cutthroat. Dethrone triggers and resolves, making the Cutthroat a 2/2. Due to First Strike, Grenzo's Cutthroat deals damage first. Professional Face-Breaker's ability triggers, creating a Treasure token. If the opponent's blocker survived the first strike, your other creatures will then deal regular combat damage, potentially triggering the Face-Breaker again for more Treasure.