Mockingbird, Bobbi MorseHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Growth Trigger

Mockingbird's ability is a triggered ability that uses the stack. Every time she is dealt damage—whether from a creature in combat, a spell, or an ability—her triggered ability will trigger and wait to resolve. The key is her survivability: if the damage dealt is enough to destroy her before the ability resolves, she won't be around to receive the +1/+1 counter.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, damage is dealt to Mockingbird. Immediately after, the game checks if this damage triggers any abilities; Mockingbird's ability triggers and is put on the stack. Before the ability resolves, state-based actions are checked. If the damage marked on her is equal to or greater than her toughness, she is destroyed. If she survives this check, the ability resolves and you place one +1/+1 counter on her, permanently increasing her power and toughness.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the counter saves her from lethal damage. It does not. Because the damage and the counter placement happen at different times, Mockingbird must have enough toughness to withstand the initial damage. If she has 4 toughness and takes 4 damage, she will be put into the graveyard before her ability can add the counter that would have made her a 5/5.

Strategic Implementation

To maximize Mockingbird's potential, look for ways to deal small, repeatable amounts of damage to her. By pairing her with effects that increase the number of times her abilities trigger, you can accelerate her growth significantly, turning her into a massive threat that punishes opponents for blocking.

Interaction examples

Double the Heroism

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Human', its ability will apply to Mockingbird. When Mockingbird is dealt damage, her ability triggers once, and Roaming Throne causes it to trigger an additional time. As long as she survives the initial damage, she will receive two +1/+1 counters instead of one.

Combat Survival

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum (a 2/2) and you block with Mockingbird (a 4/4), Mockingbird is dealt 2 damage. Since 2 damage is less than her 4 toughness, she survives. Her ability triggers, and upon resolution, she becomes a 5/5 creature with 2 damage marked on her until the end of the turn.