Jaded Sell-SwordHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Jaded Sell-Sword has a triggered ability that checks the history of how it was cast. Specifically, it looks to see if any mana produced by a Treasure was used to pay its mana cost. If that condition is met when it enters the battlefield, it gains two powerful keywords for the turn: first strike and haste.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must cast Jaded Sell-Sword. During the process of paying its cost, you must use at least one mana generated by sacrificing a Treasure. When the spell resolves and the creature enters the battlefield, the ability triggers and goes on the stack. Once that ability resolves, the game checks if the Treasure condition was met; if it was, the Sell-Sword gains haste and first strike until the end of the current turn.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the Treasure must be spent specifically for the colored mana requirement. In reality, as long as a Treasure provided any part of the {3}{R} cost—including the generic portion—the ability will trigger successfully. Note that if the creature enters the battlefield without being cast (such as being put directly into play from your hand or graveyard), the condition cannot be met because no mana was spent to cast it.

When to Play It

Jaded Sell-Sword is best utilized in aggressive decks that can generate tokens early. By using a Treasure, you effectively accelerate your mana curve and ensure the creature can attack the very turn it arrives. The first strike keyword also makes it a difficult unit to block effectively in the early to mid-game combat phases.

Interaction examples

The Golden Entry

You have three Mountains and one Treasure token. You sacrifice the Treasure for one red mana and tap your Mountains for three additional mana to cast Jaded Sell-Sword. Because mana from a Treasure was spent, the Sell-Sword enters with haste and first strike, allowing it to attack immediately for 4 damage.

Doubling the Motivation

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Dragon', you cast Jaded Sell-Sword using a Treasure. The Sell-Sword's ability triggers twice due to the Throne's effect. While gaining haste and first strike twice is redundant, this interaction confirms that the ability is a standard triggered ability of a Dragon creature.

Efficiency in Sequencing

Solemn Simulacrum

You play Solemn Simulacrum on turn four to fetch a basic Mountain. On turn five, you use your five lands and one Treasure to cast both Jaded Sell-Sword and another spell. Even though you had enough natural mana for the Sell-Sword, choosing to use the Treasure mana ensures it gains its keywords for an aggressive turn.