Minsc & Boo, Timeless HeroesHow it works & interactions with other cards

Hamster Generation and Buffs

When Minsc & Boo enters the battlefield, and at every one of your upkeeps, you can create Boo, a 1/1 legendary Hamster with trample and haste. Since the token is created at the start of your turn, you can immediately use the +1 ability to put three +1/+1 counters on Boo (or any other creature with trample or haste), turning the tiny Hamster into a 4/4 threat right away.

The Reflexive Sacrifice Trigger

The -2 ability uses a 'reflexive trigger.' First, you activate the loyalty ability and sacrifice a creature as part of the resolution. Once you sacrifice that creature, a second ability goes on the stack: 'When you do, Minsc & Boo deals X damage...' You choose the target for the damage only after the sacrifice has happened. If the creature sacrificed was a Hamster, you also draw cards equal to its power.

Targets and Resolution

A common mistake involves the reflexive damage trigger. If you sacrifice a Hamster but the target you chose for the damage becomes illegal (for example, it gains Hexproof or leaves the battlefield) before the damage resolves, the entire sub-ability fails. In this case, you will not deal any damage and you will not draw any cards, even though the Hamster was successfully sacrificed.

When to Play Minsc & Boo

This card is best used when you can protect it for at least one turn cycle. Because it creates a blocker or an attacker automatically at upkeep, it provides excellent board presence. Use the -2 ability as a finisher or a massive card-draw engine when Boo has been buffed by several +1/+1 counters.

Interaction examples

The Standard Turn One Play

Minsc & Boo, Timeless HeroesBoo

You cast Minsc & Boo, Timeless Heroes. Its triggered ability creates Boo. You then use the +1 ability targeting Boo. Boo is now a 4/4 with trample and haste ready to attack immediately.

The 'Go for the Eyes' Combo

Minsc & Boo, Timeless HeroesBoo

On a later turn, Boo has grown to a 7/7. You activate the -2 ability of Minsc & Boo, sacrificing Boo. A new trigger goes on the stack. You target your opponent. Upon resolution, Minsc & Boo deals 7 damage to the opponent and you draw 7 cards because Boo is a Hamster.

Managing Planeswalker Targets

Minsc & Boo, Timeless HeroesChandra, Torch of Defiance

If your opponent controls Chandra, Torch of Defiance, you can use the -2 ability of Minsc & Boo. After sacrificing a creature, you target Chandra with the reflexive damage trigger. If the sacrificed creature's power is 4 or more, Chandra is dealt enough damage to be removed from the battlefield.