Impulsive ChargeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Impulsive Charge creates a delayed triggered ability that fires at the beginning of the combat phase of the turn it was cast. When this trigger resolves, every creature with the Reveler subtype gains haste until the end of the turn. Furthermore, these creatures are forced to attack during that specific combat phase if they are able to do so, meaning they cannot be held back for defense.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Impulsive Charge during one of your main phases. Upon resolution, the spell sets up a trigger for the 'Beginning of Combat' step. When that step starts, the ability goes on the stack and then resolves. All Revelers currently on the battlefield gain haste. Finally, as you move to the 'Declare Attackers' step, you must tap all Revelers and declare them as attackers unless an effect (like a tax or a restriction) prevents them from attacking.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming this spell affects creatures that enter the battlefield after the 'Beginning of Combat' trigger has resolved; it only affects Revelers present when the trigger resolves. Additionally, remember that 'if able' is a key clause. If a Reveler is tapped or affected by a spell that says it cannot attack, the requirement to attack is ignored because the creature is not 'able' to fulfill it.

When to Play It

Timing is crucial with Impulsive Charge. Since it is a sorcery that triggers at the beginning of combat, you must cast it during your Precombat Main Phase. Casting it after combat has already started or during your Postcombat Main Phase will result in the trigger never happening, as the 'beginning of combat' for that turn has already passed.

Interaction examples

Copying the Charge

Wandering Archaic // Explore the Vastlands

If your opponent casts Impulsive Charge and you have Wandering Archaic on the battlefield, you can copy the spell if they don't pay {2}. Both the original and the copy will create triggers for the next beginning of combat. This means both players' Revelers will gain haste and be forced to attack their respective opponents during their next available combat phase.

Clearing the Path

All Is Dust

If you are facing a board of colored blockers, you might cast All Is Dust to clear the battlefield of colored permanents. If your Revelers are colorless (such as Eldrazi or artifacts), they will survive. You can then follow up with Impulsive Charge in the same main phase to ensure your remaining colorless Revelers gain haste and strike your opponent while their defenses are down.