Namor, Scourge of the SeasHow it works & interactions with other cards

Commanding the Skies

Namor's primary utility is providing Flying to other Merfolk you control, but there is a specific condition: they must have a +1/+1 counter on them. This creates a powerful synergy where his second ability facilitates his first. Even if a Merfolk already has counters from other sources, they will benefit from Namor's presence by gaining evasion immediately upon his arrival on the battlefield.

The Connive Process

At the beginning of combat on your turn, Namor's triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose a target creature you control to connive. When the ability resolves, you draw a card and then discard a card. If the discarded card was not a land, you put a +1/+1 counter on the creature that connived. Note that if the creature is no longer on the battlefield when the ability tries to resolve, the entire ability fails and you do not draw or discard.

Strategic Timing

The connive trigger happens specifically at the 'Beginning of Combat' step. This occurs before you declare attackers. This is beneficial because the +1/+1 counter is placed (and Flying is potentially granted) before the 'Declare Attackers' step, allowing the creature to attack with its new stats and evasion that same turn.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Namor can target himself with the connive ability. Since he is a Merfolk, if he discards a nonland card, he will receive a +1/+1 counter, though he already has flying naturally. Additionally, remember that the discard is mandatory once you have drawn the card, even if you like your current hand.

Interaction examples

Doubling Down on Conquest

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Merfolk' as it entered, Namor's beginning of combat ability will trigger twice. You will target a creature (or two different creatures) to connive. This allows you to draw and discard twice, potentially placing two +1/+1 counters and significantly filtering your deck before you even declare attackers.

Filtering for Value

Solemn Simulacrum

You can target Solemn Simulacrum with Namor's connive trigger. You draw a card and discard one. If you discard a nonland card, the Simulacrum gets a +1/+1 counter. While the Simulacrum does not gain flying (as it is not a Merfolk), Namor allows you to use non-Merfolk creatures to dig through your library for the answers you need.