Nightshade StingerHow it works & interactions with other cards

A One-Way Attacker

Nightshade Stinger possesses two static abilities: Flying and a restriction that prevents it from blocking. Flying means this creature cannot be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach. However, the downside is absolute; even if an opponent attacks you with a creature that has flying, you cannot choose Nightshade Stinger as a blocker.

Navigating the Combat Phase

When you move to your combat phase, Nightshade Stinger is best utilized by declaring it as an attacker early. Because it only costs one black mana, it can begin chipping away at an opponent's life total as early as turn two. Since it cannot block during your opponent's turn, you do not lose any defensive utility by tapping it to attack.

Strategic Considerations

Common mistakes involve forgetting that 'can't block' is a permanent restriction, not just one that applies when the creature is tapped. Even if you have effects that untap your creatures, Nightshade Stinger remains ineligible to be declared as a blocker. It is most effective in decks that reward you for having Faeries, Rogues, or for simply dealing combat damage to an opponent.

Interaction examples

Aerial Evasion

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent controls Ornithopter of Paradise, they can choose to block your Nightshade Stinger because both have Flying. However, if your opponent attacks you with their Ornithopter of Paradise, you cannot use Nightshade Stinger to block it due to its 'can't block' ability.

Feeding the Artist

Blood Artist

Since Nightshade Stinger cannot block, it is often targeted by removal or dies in aggressive trades. If Nightshade Stinger dies while Blood Artist is on the battlefield, Blood Artist's triggered ability will trigger, allowing you to drain 1 life from a target player and gain 1 life yourself.