Judgment BoltHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Judgment Bolt has two primary effects that occur upon resolution: it deals a flat 5 damage to a target creature and a variable amount of damage, X, to that creature's controller. The variable X is determined by the number of Equipment permanents you control at the moment the spell resolves.

Resolution Step by Step

First, you cast Judgment Bolt and choose a target creature. Once the spell resolves, the game checks how many Equipment cards you control on the battlefield. It then deals 5 damage to the target creature and X damage to the controller. If the target creature becomes illegal before resolution (for example, if it is sacrificed), the entire spell fails to resolve and no damage is dealt to the player.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is calculating the value of X when you cast the spell. Per official rulings, X is calculated only once, specifically as Judgment Bolt resolves. If your opponent destroys one of your Equipment cards in response to the spell, the damage dealt to the player will be reduced accordingly.

When to Play It

Judgment Bolt is best utilized in 'Voltron' style decks or strategies that favor artifacts. Since it is an instant, you can use it during combat to remove a blocker or at the end of an opponent's turn to maximize the damage to their life total before you begin your next turn.

Interaction examples

Redirecting the Bolt

Deflecting Swat

If you cast Judgment Bolt targeting an opponent's creature, that opponent can respond with Deflecting Swat to change the target to one of your creatures. If they do, the spell will now deal 5 damage to your creature and X damage to you, since you are the controller of the new target.

Interaction with Chaos Warp

Chaos Warp

If you cast Judgment Bolt while controlling three Equipment cards, and an opponent casts Chaos Warp on one of your Equipment cards in response, the Warp resolves first. If the Equipment is shuffled away and you do not reveal another Equipment to put onto the battlefield, Judgment Bolt will only deal 2 damage to the player when it finally resolves.

Targeting Single Creatures

If you control four Equipment cards and cast Judgment Bolt on a 5/5 creature, the creature receives 5 damage (likely destroying it) and its controller receives 4 damage simultaneously during the spell's resolution.