Kavu MaulerHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Mechanics of the Pack

Kavu Mauler has two distinct abilities. First, it has Trample, which allows it to deal excess damage to the defending player or planeswalker if it is blocked. Second, it features a triggered ability that goes on the stack whenever it is declared as an attacker. This ability checks the number of other attacking Kavu at the moment the trigger resolves to determine how much of a power and toughness boost it receives.

Resolution Step-by-Step

When you enter the declare attackers step, you choose which creatures are attacking. If Kavu Mauler is among them, its ability triggers. You then count every other creature with the 'Kavu' subtype that you have also declared as an attacker. When the ability resolves, Kavu Mauler gains +1/+1 for each of those other Kavu until the end of the current turn. This happens before your opponent declares blockers, meaning the Kavu Mauler will already be at its increased size when damage is assigned.

Common Pitfalls

The most important thing to remember is that Kavu Mauler does not count itself; it only counts 'other' attacking Kavu. Additionally, if an effect puts a Kavu onto the battlefield attacking after the initial declaration of attackers, that new creature did not 'attack' for the purposes of triggering Kavu Mauler's ability. However, if the Kavu Mauler's trigger is still on the stack, it will count any creature that is currently an 'attacking Kavu' when the trigger resolves.

When to Play It

With a mana cost of six, Kavu Mauler is a top-end threat. It is best utilized in a dedicated tribal deck where you can ensure multiple Kavu are attacking simultaneously. Because its boost lasts until end of turn, it is particularly effective if you have ways to untap it or grant it additional combat phases.

Interaction examples

The Lone Attacker

If you attack with Kavu Mauler alone, its ability still triggers. However, since there are zero 'other attacking Kavu,' it receives +0/+0. It remains a 4/4 with Trample for the duration of the combat.

Building a Board State

Avenger of Zendikar

While Avenger of Zendikar provides a large board presence of Plant tokens, these do not share a creature type with Kavu Mauler. If you attack with Kavu Mauler and several Plant tokens, the Mauler receives no bonus because none of the other attackers are Kavu.

Haste and Efficiency

Seedborn Muse

While Seedborn Muse allows you to untap Kavu Mauler on every other player's turn, the Mauler can usually only attack on your turn. If you have a way to give Kavu Mauler haste, Seedborn Muse ensures it is ready to block after its big attack, keeping you safe while you prepare for your next aggressive turn.