Ms. Marvel, Elastic AllyHow it works & interactions with other cards

Stretching the Potential

Ms. Marvel features two distinct abilities: an enters-the-battlefield trigger that grants +2/+0 to a target creature, and a triggered ability that draws you a card when a modified creature deals combat damage to a player. The card-draw ability checks the creature's current power against its printed base power. If the current power is even one point higher due to counters, equipment, or spells, the condition is met.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, when Ms. Marvel enters the battlefield, you choose a target creature to receive the +2/+0 bonus. Next, during the combat damage step, if a creature you control with power greater than its base power deals damage to a player, Ms. Marvel's second ability triggers. Note that this draw trigger happens only once per turn, regardless of how many creatures meet the criteria simultaneously.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that Ms. Marvel can target herself with her +2/+0 bonus, making her a 4/5 with reach immediately. Additionally, the card draw only triggers on combat damage to a player; dealing damage to planeswalkers or battles will not trigger the ability. Because it triggers 'only once each turn,' you cannot draw multiple cards even if you have multiple buffed creatures attacking.

When to Deploy

Play Ms. Marvel when you have an unblocked creature ready to strike to maximize the immediate +2/+0 buff and draw a card in the same turn. She is also an excellent defensive option against flying attackers thanks to reach, allowing you to stabilize the board while building your resources.

Interaction examples

Boosting the Automaton

Solemn Simulacrum

You have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield. You cast Ms. Marvel, Elastic Ally. When she enters, you target the Solemn Simulacrum with her +2/+0 ability. The Simulacrum's power is now 4, which is greater than its base power of 2. When it deals combat damage to your opponent, Ms. Marvel's ability triggers, and you draw a card.

Self-Sufficient Heroics

You cast Ms. Marvel, Elastic Ally with no other creatures on board. She enters and targets herself with her +2/+0 ability. Her power becomes 4, exceeding her base power of 2. If she attacks and deals combat damage to a player this turn, her second ability will trigger, allowing you to draw a card.

The Snake's Strike

Sakura-Tribe Elder

You target Sakura-Tribe Elder with Ms. Marvel's enters-the-battlefield ability, giving it +2/+0. The Elder now has 3 power (base 1). After it deals combat damage to a player and triggers Ms. Marvel's card draw, you can still sacrifice the Sakura-Tribe Elder to search for a basic land before the turn ends.