Hazardous BlastHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Hazardous Blast performs two primary functions when it resolves. First, it deals 1 damage to every creature controlled by your opponents, which is perfect for clearing out tokens or creatures with 1 toughness. Second, it creates a continuous effect that prevents any creatures your opponents control from blocking for the remainder of the turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Hazardous Blast, it goes on the stack and players may respond. Upon resolution, the spell checks which creatures your opponents control and deals 1 damage to each. Then, a restriction is applied to the opponent: no creature they control can block this turn. Unlike the damage portion, this blocking restriction applies to the player's creatures generally, not just the ones currently on the battlefield.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the 'can't block' effect only applies to creatures that were on the battlefield when the spell resolved. However, the official ruling clarifies that this effect applies to all creatures your opponents control for the rest of the turn. This includes creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn or non-creature permanents that become creatures after the spell has finished resolving.

When to Play It

This spell is best utilized during your pre-combat main phase. By casting it before you declare attackers, you ensure that your opponent's board is softened and their ability to defend is completely removed. It is particularly effective against 'go-wide' decks that rely on many small blockers to stay alive.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Blast

Mana Geyser

If your opponents have many tapped lands, you can cast Mana Geyser to generate a large amount of red mana. Use four of that mana to cast Hazardous Blast, ensuring your opponent cannot block your biggest threats while you still have mana left over to cast more spells or creatures before combat.

Finding Your Finisher

Jeska's Will

If you control your commander, you can cast Jeska's Will to exile the top three cards of your library. If Hazardous Blast is among them, you can use the mana generated by Jeska's Will to cast the Blast immediately. This clears out enemy utility creatures and prevents your opponent from blocking your commander's incoming attack.

Bypassing New Arrivals

After you resolve Hazardous Blast, your opponent cannot block. If your opponent subsequently casts a creature with Flash, that new creature is also affected by the spell's second ability and will be unable to block when you move to your declare attackers step.