JackdawHow it works & interactions with other cards

Navigating the High Seas

Jackdaw is a 4/4 Vehicle that requires Crew 3 to become an artifact creature. Its primary strength lies in its combat damage trigger: when it hits a player, you have the option to discard your current hand to draw a new one. The number of cards you draw is determined by the total number of artifacts you control at the moment the ability resolves.

Resolution Step by Step

First, Jackdaw must deal combat damage to a player. This puts the ability on the stack. Upon resolution, you make a choice: you may discard your hand. If you choose to do so, the game counts every artifact you control on the battlefield—including Jackdaw itself—and you draw that many cards. Notably, if your hand is already empty, you can still 'discard' it to successfully trigger the draw effect.

Strategic Timing

Because the draw count is checked during resolution, you can respond to the trigger by activating abilities or casting spells that put more artifacts onto the battlefield. This maximizes the value of your new hand. Conversely, if an opponent destroys your other artifacts in response to the trigger, your draw count will decrease accordingly.

Interaction examples

Setting Sail Immediately

Swiftfoot Boots

You cast Jackdaw and then Swiftfoot Boots. You equip the Boots to Jackdaw after crewing it. Because Swiftfoot Boots grants haste, Jackdaw can attack the same turn it was played. If it deals combat damage, you can discard your hand to draw at least two cards: one for Jackdaw and one for the Boots.

Maximizing the Cargo

Arcane Signet

With Arcane Signet and Jackdaw on the board, you crew Jackdaw and attack. Upon dealing combat damage, the trigger goes on the stack. Even if you have zero cards in hand, you choose to discard. You then count your artifacts: Jackdaw and Arcane Signet. You draw two cards, effectively turning an empty hand into fresh options.