Manticore of the Gauntlet 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
When this creature enters, put a -1/-1 counter on target creature you control. This creature deals 3 damage to target opponent or planeswalker.
Complete guide
Manticore of the Gauntlet is a striking Amonkhet-themed creature that rewards aggression at a cost to your own board. By placing a -1/-1 counter on one of your own units, you can blast an opponent or a planeswalker for a significant chunk of damage. It serves as a powerful mid-range finisher that demands careful targeting to maximize its impact.
Dual Targeting and Resolution
When Manticore of the Gauntlet enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose two targets: one creature you control to receive a -1/-1 counter, and one opponent or planeswalker to receive 3 damage. If you cannot legally choose both targets—for instance, if all your opponents have hexproof—the ability is removed from the stack entirely, and no counters are placed.
Handling Illegal Targets
Magic's rules for multi-target abilities are specific. If you successfully cast the Manticore and choose two legal targets, but one of those targets becomes illegal before the ability resolves (such as the creature you control being sacrificed), the remaining target is still affected. The opponent will still take 3 damage even if your own creature is no longer there to receive the counter.
Strategic Considerations
This card is best played when you have a creature that can survive a -1/-1 counter or one that benefits from entering the graveyard. Since the damage can target planeswalkers, it is an excellent tool for removing a high-loyalty threat that is hiding behind blockers. Always ensure you have a valid creature target, otherwise, the damage component won't even reach the stack.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumYou have a Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield with only 1 toughness remaining. When Manticore of the Gauntlet enters, you target the Simulacrum for the -1/-1 counter and your opponent for the damage. The Simulacrum dies as a state-based action after receiving the counter, allowing you to draw a card from its death trigger while still dealing 3 damage to the opponent.
Roaming ThroneWith Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Manticore', your Manticore of the Gauntlet enters and its ability triggers an additional time. You must choose targets for both instances of the ability. This means you will place two -1/-1 counters (either on the same creature or different ones) and deal a total of 6 damage across two targets of your choice.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Manticore of the Gauntlet
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If you can't choose a target opponent when you put Manticore of the Gauntlet's triggered ability on the stack (most likely because your opponents have hexproof), the ability is removed from the stack and you won't put a -1/-1 counter on any creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
If either target becomes illegal after Manticore of the Gauntlet's triggered ability is put onto the stack but before it resolves, the other is still affected as appropriate.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Manticore of the Gauntlet
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.