Judgment of AlexanderHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Judgment of Alexander creates a continuous prevention effect that lasts for the entire turn. It specifically shields the player from all damage dealt by sources controlled by opponents. Furthermore, it features a triggered ability that occurs whenever damage from a creature is prevented by this specific effect, prompting your commanders to deal damage back to that creature.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When the spell resolves, the prevention effect is established immediately. If an opponent's creature would deal damage to you later that turn, that damage is reduced to zero. This event triggers the second part of the spell: for every creature whose damage was prevented, each commander you control will deal damage equal to its current power to that attacking creature. This happens for each instance of prevention, potentially clearing an opponent's board during their combat phase.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is assuming this protects your creatures or planeswalkers; it only prevents damage dealt to 'you,' the player. Additionally, if you do not control any commanders when the damage is prevented, the second part of the effect will do nothing. Note that the damage dealt by your commanders is not combat damage, but direct damage based on their power at the moment the trigger resolves.

When to Play It

The best time to cast Judgment of Alexander is during an opponent's combat phase after attackers have been declared but before damage is dealt. It serves as both a Fog effect and a removal spell. It is especially potent when you have a high-power commander on the battlefield, as it can eliminate multiple threats in a single turn without your commander needing to be involved in combat.

Interaction examples

Dealing with Tokens

Generous Gift

If you used Generous Gift earlier to destroy a permanent, your opponent may attack you with the 3/3 Elephant token. By casting Judgment of Alexander, the 3 damage to you is prevented. Your commander then deals damage equal to its power to the Elephant, likely destroying it.

Layering Defenses

Teferi's Protection

If you cast Teferi's Protection in response to Judgment of Alexander, your permanents (including your commanders) will phase out. Because your commanders are phased out, they are treated as though they don't exist. While Judgment of Alexander will still prevent damage to you, it will fail to make your commanders deal damage back because they are not on the battlefield to do so.