Mr. FoxgloveHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Attack Trigger

When Mr. Foxglove attacks, his ability checks the difference between your hand size and the defending player's hand size. If you have fewer cards than your opponent, you draw the difference. However, if your hand is already larger than or equal to theirs, you enter the second part of the ability, which allows you to put a creature card directly from your hand onto the battlefield without paying its mana cost.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, declare Mr. Foxglove as an attacker to trigger the ability. Second, as the ability resolves, count the cards in your hand and the cards in the defending player's hand. Third, if the opponent's count is higher, draw the specific number of cards required to match them. Finally, if you did not draw any cards (because the calculation resulted in zero or a negative number), you may choose a creature card in your hand and place it onto the battlefield.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that the 'if you didn't draw cards' clause is binary. You cannot choose to skip drawing cards if your opponent has more cards just to use the second effect. The ability only lets you put a creature onto the battlefield if the math dictates you draw zero or fewer cards. Additionally, remember that the check happens only when the ability resolves, not when it is put on the stack.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Mr. Foxglove, try to cast your cheaper spells before the combat phase. By emptying your hand, you increase the number of cards you draw. Conversely, if you have a high-cost creature you want to cheat into play, ensure your hand size is equal to or greater than your opponent's before you declare your attack.

Interaction examples

Cheating Out Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Mr. Foxglove while holding 3 cards and your opponent also holds 3 cards, you draw 0 cards. This satisfies the second condition, allowing you to put Solemn Simulacrum onto the battlefield for free, fetching you a land immediately.

Doubling the Cunning

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Fox', Mr. Foxglove's ability triggers twice. The first trigger might cause you to draw cards until you match your opponent. Because your hand size has increased, the second trigger will likely result in you drawing 0 cards, which then allows you to put a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield.