MomentumHow it works & interactions with other cards

Scaling Power Through Growth

Momentum functions as a scaling stat boost for the enchanted creature. It utilizes growth counters to track this progress, providing +1/+1 for each counter currently on the Aura. Because the bonus is tied to the counters on the enchantment itself, the creature's power and toughness will update immediately whenever a counter is added or removed.

The Upkeep Trigger

At the beginning of your upkeep, Momentum's triggered ability goes on the stack. This is a 'may' ability, meaning you choose whether or not to add a growth counter when the ability resolves. If you choose to add one, the creature's stats increase instantly. Note that if you move to your draw step without placing the counter, you have missed the opportunity for that turn.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the counters are on the Aura, not the creature. If the creature leaves the battlefield, Momentum is put into the graveyard, and all growth counters are lost. Furthermore, if the Aura is moved to a different creature via another effect, it retains its counters and provides the full accumulated bonus to the new creature.

Strategic Timing

Since Momentum needs several turns to become efficient, it is best played on creatures with defensive abilities like Hexproof or Indestructible. It also synergizes well with effects that trigger based on a creature's power, as the steady increase can help you reach specific power thresholds for other cards in your deck.

Interaction examples

Hitting Power Thresholds

Garruk's Uprising

If you control Garruk's Uprising and a 2/2 creature, casting Momentum won't trigger a card draw immediately. However, after two turns of adding growth counters during your upkeep, the creature becomes a 4/4. While this doesn't trigger the 'enters' clause of the Uprising, the creature will now benefit from the Trample granted by the enchantment because its power has reached 4.

Stacking Upkeep and Draw Triggers

Sylvan Library

During your turn, Momentum triggers in the Upkeep step, while Sylvan Library triggers in the Draw step. You must resolve the Momentum trigger first. This allows you to see if your creature grows large enough to survive potential blocks before you decide how much life to pay for extra cards with Sylvan Library.

Baseline Usage

When you cast Momentum on a 1/1 creature, it provides no bonus immediately. On your next upkeep, you choose to put a growth counter on it, making the creature a 2/2. On the following upkeep, you add a second counter, and the creature becomes a 3/3. This process continues every turn you choose to add a counter.