Khan, Despot by DesignHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Scorched Earth Entry

Khan, Despot by Design features a single, powerful triggered ability that triggers when he enters the battlefield. Unlike some creatures that target a single threat, Khan deals 1 damage to every opponent and every creature those opponents control. This makes him particularly effective against aggressive decks that rely on 1-toughness creatures or tokens, effectively acting as a one-sided board wipe for small threats.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Khan and he moves from the stack to the battlefield. Once he is successfully on the battlefield, his enters-the-battlefield (ETB) ability is put onto the stack. When the ability resolves, it identifies all opponents and all creatures they control at that exact moment. It then deals 1 damage to each of them simultaneously. Any creature that has damage equal to or greater than its toughness will then be destroyed as a state-based action.

Strategy and Timing

Because Khan has Trample, he is best used when the opponent has blockers that he can easily push through. His entry damage can weaken larger blockers, making it easier for his 4/4 body to trample over them for lethal damage. It is usually best to play him during your first main phase so you can clear the path for an attack immediately after his ability resolves.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that Khan's ability does not target. This means creatures with Hexproof or Shroud controlled by your opponents will still take 1 damage. However, creatures with Protection from Red or Protection from Creatures will still prevent the damage. Additionally, since the ability deals damage to opponents, it will trigger any 'whenever an opponent is dealt damage' effects you might have on the board.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Despot

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Rogue' chosen, Khan, Despot by Design will trigger twice when he enters. This results in a total of 2 damage to each opponent and each creature they control, which is enough to take down significantly larger threats like Solemn Simulacrum.

Clearing the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls a Solemn Simulacrum that has already taken 1 damage earlier in the turn, Khan entering will deal that final 1 damage needed to destroy it. This will cause the opponent's 'When this creature dies' ability to trigger, allowing them to draw a card, but your Khan remains ready to attack with Trample.

The Solo Sweep

Against a player controlling several 1/1 tokens, simply playing Khan, Despot by Design will clear their entire board of creatures. As the ability does not target, the opponent cannot save a specific creature by giving it Hexproof in response.