Nest RobberHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Nest Robber is a 2/1 creature with the Haste keyword. In Magic: The Gathering, creatures normally cannot attack or use abilities with the tap symbol unless they have been under your control since the beginning of your most recent turn. Haste specifically ignores this rule, allowing Nest Robber to attack or tap the very same turn it enters the battlefield.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Nest Robber by paying one red mana and one generic mana. Once the spell resolves and the creature enters the battlefield, its Haste ability becomes active immediately. During your Declare Attackers step of that same turn, you may choose to tap Nest Robber and declare it as an attacker. Because it has Haste, it does not matter that it just arrived; it is ready for combat.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that Haste only affects the creature's ability to attack or tap. It does not provide any protection from spells or abilities your opponent might use, such as removal. Additionally, if Nest Robber loses Haste later in the turn due to a specific effect, it still could have attacked earlier if it was already declared as an attacker while it had the ability.

When to Play It

Nest Robber is best played in the early turns of a game to take advantage of an open board. Because it has 2 power, it provides a fast clock against control players or decks that take time to set up their defenses. It is also an excellent recipient of equipment or enchantments that further boost its power, as it can utilize those bonuses the moment it hits the table.

Interaction examples

Early Aggression and Value

Professional Face-Breaker

If you have Professional Face-Breaker on the battlefield, you can cast Nest Robber and immediately attack with it. Because Nest Robber has Haste, it can deal combat damage to a player the same turn it is cast. This triggers Professional Face-Breaker's ability, granting you a Treasure token for your aggressive play.

Mana Acceleration into Threats

Ornithopter of Paradise

On turn two, you can tap Ornithopter of Paradise to add one red mana, helping you cast Nest Robber. Unlike the Ornithopter which had to wait a turn to use its mana ability (unless it also had haste), Nest Robber can be cast and immediately join the combat phase, ensuring that your mana acceleration translates into immediate pressure.