Merrow WavebreakersHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Untap Symbol

The {Q} symbol represents the untap action. To activate the ability of Merrow Wavebreakers, you must pay {1}{U} and untap the creature as part of the activation cost. This means the creature must already be tapped to use this ability; you cannot untap a permanent that is already untapped. Furthermore, because the untap symbol is subject to 'summoning sickness' rules, you cannot activate this ability unless you have controlled Merrow Wavebreakers since the beginning of your most recent turn or it has haste.

How the Ability Resolves

Activating this ability follows a specific sequence. First, you announce the ability and pay the costs: you spend {1}{U} and untap Merrow Wavebreakers. Because untapping is a cost, it happens immediately and cannot be responded to by players. Once the cost is paid, the ability goes on the stack. If it resolves, Merrow Wavebreakers gains flying until the end of the current turn, allowing it to soar over non-flying blockers.

Timing and Strategy

Since you need the creature to be tapped to use the ability, the most common way to set this up is by attacking during your combat phase. If Merrow Wavebreakers survives combat or is used to tap for another effect, you can then untap it to gain flying. This makes it an excellent defensive tool as well, as you can attack, then use the ability to untap it so it is ready to block during your opponent's turn.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the untap symbol follows the same timing restrictions as the tap symbol regarding summoning sickness. You cannot play Merrow Wavebreakers and immediately untap it to gain flying unless you give it haste. Additionally, remember that if an opponent uses an effect to tap your creature in response to you wanting to use the ability, you must wait for their effect to resolve before you can pay the untap cost again, provided you have the mana.

Interaction examples

Basic Flight Maneuver

You attack with Merrow Wavebreakers during your turn, causing it to become tapped. During your post-combat main phase, or even during the declare blockers step, you pay {1}{U} and untap Merrow Wavebreakers. The cost is paid, the creature is now untapped, and it gains flying until end of turn.

Synergy with EtB Effects

Solemn Simulacrum

You control Merrow Wavebreakers and cast Solemn Simulacrum. When Solemn Simulacrum enters, you put a basic land onto the battlefield tapped. While this doesn't directly interact with the untap cost of the Merfolk, having extra mana from the land ensures you can consistently afford the {1}{U} requirement for Merrow Wavebreakers on subsequent turns.

The Throne's Limitation

Roaming Throne

You have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Merfolk' chosen as the creature type. While Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities, Merrow Wavebreakers' ability is an activated ability (indicated by the 'Cost : Effect' format). Therefore, Roaming Throne will not cause Merrow Wavebreakers to gain flying twice or untap twice; the ability functions as normal.