Mask of AvacynHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Mask of Avacyn is an Equipment that costs two generic mana to cast and three generic mana to equip. Once attached to a creature, it grants that creature +1/+2 and hexproof. Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents the creature from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by your opponents, while still allowing you to target your own creature with beneficial spells.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Mask of Avacyn by paying two mana; it enters the battlefield as an artifact. During your main phase, you can activate its equip ability by paying three mana and targeting a creature you control. When the equip ability resolves, the Mask becomes attached to that creature. From that moment on, the creature's toughness and power increase, and it gains protection from your opponent's targeting effects. If you want to move the Mask to another creature, you must pay the equip cost again during your main phase.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion involves what happens if an opponent gains control of a creature equipped with your Mask of Avacyn. Because the Mask grants the creature hexproof, the 'you' in the hexproof reminder text refers to the creature's controller. Therefore, if your opponent takes your creature, you can no longer target it because you are now its controller's opponent. Additionally, remember that equipping is a sorcery-speed action; you cannot move the Mask in response to a removal spell unless you have an effect that allows you to activate abilities as instants.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized in decks where the strategy revolves around a specific creature staying on the board. Since the equip cost is three mana, it is helpful to have mana rocks like Sol Ring or Arcane Signet available to ensure you can cast and equip the Mask in a single turn, minimizing the window of vulnerability for your creature.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Defense

Sol Ring

On turn one, you play a land and cast Sol Ring. On turn two, you play another land, providing you with four total mana. You use two mana to cast Mask of Avacyn and the remaining two mana (plus one from another source) to immediately equip it to a creature you played on turn one, granting it +1/+2 and hexproof before your opponents can react with sorcery-speed removal.

Fixing Mana for Equipment

Arcane Signet

In a Commander game, you use Arcane Signet to produce the specific color needed for your commander. Once your commander is on the battlefield, you pay three generic mana to attach Mask of Avacyn. The Arcane Signet ensures you have the overall mana volume to pay for both your spells and the relatively high equip cost of the Mask.

Standalone Protection

You have a creature with 2/2 stats on the board. You cast Mask of Avacyn and equip it. Your creature is now a 3/4. An opponent attempts to cast a spell that says 'Destroy target creature.' Because your creature has hexproof from the Mask, the opponent's spell cannot legally target it, and your creature remains safely on the battlefield.