No-DachiHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

No-Dachi is an Artifact - Equipment that provides two distinct benefits to the creature it is attached to. First, it gives a +2/+0 power boost, increasing the damage output without affecting toughness. Second, it grants the first strike keyword, allowing the creature to deal combat damage during the first combat damage step, potentially destroying a blocker before it can deal damage back.

How to Resolve It Step by Step

To use No-Dachi, you must first cast the artifact for two generic mana. Once it is on the battlefield, you activate the Equip ability by paying three generic mana and targeting a creature you control. Note that this can only be done as a sorcery, meaning during your main phase when the stack is empty. When the ability resolves, No-Dachi becomes attached to that creature, and the bonuses apply immediately until the creature leaves the battlefield or No-Dachi is moved.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is attempting to equip No-Dachi as an instant to save a creature during an opponent's turn; the Equip ability is strictly sorcery-speed. Additionally, remember that while the creature gains power and first strike, it does not gain any toughness. If the creature is dealt damage by a spell or another creature with first strike, its original toughness is all it has to survive.

When to Play It

No-Dachi is best utilized in decks that run creatures with high toughness but low power, or those with 'whenever this creature deals combat damage' triggers. It is also excellent when you have excess mana to spend on equipment costs to turn a utility creature into a legitimate threat.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Armory

Sol Ring

On turn one, you play Sol Ring. You can immediately use the two mana generated by Sol Ring to cast No-Dachi. This allows you to spend your second turn's mana exclusively on the Equip cost, getting your creature ready for combat much faster than usual.

Fixing for the Fray

Arcane Signet

If you are playing a multi-color deck, you can use Arcane Signet to produce the mana needed for the Equip cost. While No-Dachi only requires generic mana, having the consistent mana source from the Signet ensures you can always afford the three-mana cost to move the blade between different creatures during your main phases.

Standard Combat Maneuver

You have a 1/1 creature and No-Dachi on the field. You pay three mana to equip it. Your 1/1 is now a 3/1 with first strike. When it attacks, if your opponent blocks with a 2/2, your creature deals 3 damage first, destroying the 2/2 before it can deal its 2 damage back to your creature.