Inner StruggleHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Inner Struggle targets a single creature and causes that creature to deal damage to itself. The amount of damage dealt is exactly equal to the creature's current power at the moment the spell resolves. Since the creature is the source of the damage, any abilities it has—such as deathtouch or lifelink—will apply to this self-inflicted damage.

Resolution Step by Step

First, you cast Inner Struggle and choose a legal target creature. Upon resolution, the game checks the creature's current power. If the creature's power is 5, it deals 5 damage to itself. If the damage marked on the creature meets or exceeds its toughness, it is destroyed as a state-based action immediately after the spell finishes resolving.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Inner Struggle checks power only upon resolution. If an opponent plays a spell to shrink their creature's power in response, Inner Struggle will deal less damage. Additionally, since the creature deals the damage, protection from red will not prevent this damage unless Inner Struggle itself cannot target the creature due to protection.

Strategic Timing

As an instant, Inner Struggle is best used after an opponent has committed to an effect that buffs their creature's power. It is also an effective way to remove creatures with high power but low toughness that might otherwise be difficult to block. If the target has deathtouch, it will destroy itself regardless of how much power it has, as long as it has at least 1 power.

Interaction examples

Redirecting the Struggle

Deflecting Swat

If you cast Inner Struggle targeting an opponent's creature, they can respond by casting Deflecting Swat. Since they control the Swat, they may choose a new legal target for Inner Struggle. If they change the target to one of your creatures, your creature will then be forced to deal damage to itself equal to its power when the spell resolves.

Removing a Random Threat

Chaos Warp

Suppose you use Chaos Warp on an opponent's dangerous enchantment, and they happen to reveal a massive creature card and put it onto the battlefield. Because Inner Struggle is an instant, you can immediately cast it targeting that new creature. The creature will deal damage to itself equal to its power, likely destroying it before the opponent can even attack with it.