Korozda Gorgon is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Deathtouch , Remove a +1/+1 counter from a creature you control: Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.

Complete guide

Korozda Gorgon is a versatile defensive threat from the Golgari Swarm that turns your +1/+1 counters into lethal shrinking effects. With Deathtouch and a repeatable activated ability, it ensures that no enemy creature is safe on the battlefield.

Converting Strength to Weakness

Korozda Gorgon features an activated ability that costs two mana and the removal of a +1/+1 counter from any creature you control. This is a cost; it cannot be responded to, and you must have a counter to spare to even put the ability on the stack. Once activated, you target a creature to receive a -1/-1 penalty until the end of the turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you announce the ability and choose a target creature. Second, you pay the cost by spending two mana and removing a +1/+1 counter from a creature you control. Third, the ability is placed on the stack where players can respond. Finally, if the target is still legal, it gets -1/-1. If the target's toughness becomes 0 or less, it is put into the graveyard as a state-based action.

Common Mistakes

A common error is assuming Korozda Gorgon's ability is a triggered ability. Because it contains a colon (:), it is an activated ability. This means it is not affected by cards that interact with triggers. Additionally, remember that Deathtouch only applies to combat damage or non-combat damage dealt by the Gorgon; the -1/-1 effect is a stat reduction and does not count as 'damage' for the purpose of Deathtouch.

When to Play It

Korozda Gorgon shines in 'Counter' decks where you have a surplus of +1/+1 counters. It serves as an excellent mana sink during an opponent's end step or a combat trick to finish off a creature that was blocked by one of your smaller units.

Interaction examples

Interaction with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Gorgon' for Roaming Throne, it will not affect Korozda Gorgon's activated ability. Roaming Throne specifically doubles 'triggered abilities' (those starting with when, whenever, or at). Since Korozda Gorgon's ability is activated, you will still only get one -1/-1 effect per activation.

Chaining with Solemn Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have a way to place a +1/+1 counter on Solemn Simulacrum, you can use Korozda Gorgon to remove it. This helps adjust the stats of enemy creatures. If the Gorgon's ability reduces an enemy creature's toughness enough that it trades with Solemn Simulacrum in combat, you will then get to draw a card from the Golem's death trigger.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.