Mai, Jaded EdgeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Mai, Jaded Edge is a 2-mana creature with two distinct ways to grow. First, her Prowess ability triggers whenever you cast a noncreature spell, providing a temporary +1/+1 buff. Second, she possesses an Exhaust ability that allows you to pay three mana to permanently grant her a double strike counter. Note that the Exhaust limitation applies to this specific instance of the permanent; once you use it, you cannot activate it again while she remains on the battlefield.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you cast a noncreature spell, the Prowess trigger goes on the stack on top of that spell and resolves first, giving Mai +1/+1. When you choose to activate the Exhaust ability, you pay the cost of three mana. If any abilities trigger 'whenever you activate an exhaust ability,' those resolve before Mai actually receives her double strike counter. Once the Exhaust ability resolves, the counter is placed, and that specific Mai permanent can no longer use its Exhaust ability for the rest of the game.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is thinking the Exhaust ability can be used multiple times if you have the mana. You can only activate the ability once. However, if Mai leaves the battlefield (for example, by being exiled and returned) and comes back, she is considered a new object and her Exhaust ability can be activated once more. Additionally, remember that Prowess only triggers on noncreature spells; casting a creature spell will not buff her.

When to Play It

Mai is best played in aggressive decks that run a high density of instants and sorceries to keep her Prowess active. The best time to activate her Exhaust ability is when you have an opening to deal massive damage, as double strike effectively doubles the value of all Prowess buffs she has gained that turn. Use her early to pressure opponents, then invest in the counter once the board stabilizes.

Interaction examples

Scaling Damage with Treasures

Professional Face-Breaker

If Mai, Jaded Edge has already received her double strike counter, she will deal combat damage twice. If Professional Face-Breaker is also on the battlefield, Mai dealing damage in the first strike step will trigger the Face-Breaker to create a Treasure token. You can then sacrifice that Treasure to exile a card; if it is a noncreature spell, you can cast it immediately to trigger Mai's Prowess before she deals regular combat damage.

Accelerating the Exhaust

Ornithopter of Paradise

To get Mai's double strike counter as quickly as possible, you can use Ornithopter of Paradise for mana acceleration. Tapping the Ornithopter for mana helps you reach the three-mana requirement for the Exhaust ability a turn earlier than usual. Once the ability is activated and resolves, Mai will have double strike for all future turns while she remains on the battlefield.