Hexgold SlithHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Hexgold Slith provides immediate value by granting you two energy counters upon entering the battlefield. It features a tactical choice every time it attacks, allowing you to spend those energy counters to grant it first strike. Finally, it rewards successful aggression by growing permanently whenever it hits a player.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, when Hexgold Slith enters, its triggered ability goes on the stack; when it resolves, you receive two energy counters. During the declare attackers step, its second ability triggers. You decide whether to pay your energy counters only as that ability resolves. If you do, it gains first strike before the blockers are declared. If it successfully deals combat damage to the opponent in the combat damage step, its final ability triggers to place a +1/+1 counter on it.

Common Mistakes

One common error is forgetting that you don't have to spend the energy provided by Hexgold Slith on its own attack. Energy counters stay with you as a player until spent. Additionally, remember that the +1/+1 counter trigger only happens if damage is dealt specifically to a player, not to a creature blocking it.

When to Play It

This card is best played early in the game when opponents have fewer blockers. This allows Hexgold Slith to connect with the opponent's life total and start building counters. It is also excellent in decks that utilize other energy-producing cards, as you can save its energy for more expensive effects or use energy from other sources to give it first strike every turn.

Interaction examples

Aggressive Scaling

Energy Reserve

You cast Hexgold Slith. Upon entering, you receive two energy counters which you track using your Energy Reserve. On your next turn, you attack. You spend the two energy to give it first strike, making it difficult for the opponent to trade in combat. It hits the player and gains a +1/+1 counter, becoming a 3/2 creature.

Early Pressure

Ornithopter of Paradise

You use Ornithopter of Paradise to produce white mana and cast Hexgold Slith on turn two. Because you have a mana source that can also block, you can safely commit your Slith to attacks, knowing you have a defender at home. The Slith begins accumulating +1/+1 counters each turn it goes unblocked.

Synergy with Power Scaling

Esper Sentinel

While Hexgold Slith and Esper Sentinel are both on the battlefield, the Slith's ability to grow doesn't directly affect the Sentinel. However, by pressuring the opponent's life total with the Slith, you force them to cast spells to respond. If those spells are noncreature spells, the Esper Sentinel will trigger, helping you draw more cards while your Slith continues to grow.