Noxious ToadHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Death Trigger

Noxious Toad features a triggered ability that starts with the word 'When'. This specifically triggers when the creature is moved from the battlefield to the graveyard. Unlike 'enters the battlefield' abilities, this effect only happens once the Toad has officially died, meaning it must reach the graveyard to trigger successfully. In a multiplayer game, every single opponent you are facing must discard a card, making it an efficient tool for draining resources across the table.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, Noxious Toad must die, either through combat damage, being sacrificed, or being destroyed by a spell. Once it hits the graveyard, the ability is put onto the stack. If there are no responses, the ability resolves. Starting with the next player in turn order and proceeding around the table, each opponent chooses a card from their hand and discards it simultaneously. Note that the opponents choose which cards to discard, not you.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

A common mistake is forgetting that 'dies' requires the card to hit the graveyard. If an effect like Rest in Peace is on the battlefield, the Toad is exiled instead of dying, and the ability will never trigger. Additionally, since the ability does not target a specific player, it bypasses keywords like Hexproof or Shroud that an opponent might have. However, if an opponent has no cards in hand, the ability simply does nothing to them when it resolves.

Strategic Implementation

Noxious Toad is best used in defensive shells where you want to discourage your opponent from attacking into your blockers. It also shines in decks that utilize sacrifice outlets, allowing you to trigger the discard at the most inconvenient time for your opponents, such as during their draw step or in response to a tutor effect.

Interaction examples

Double the Croak

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Frog' chosen as the creature type, Noxious Toad's ability will trigger an additional time when it dies. This means each opponent will have to discard two cards instead of one, effectively doubling the value of your creature's death.

Simultaneous Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If both Noxious Toad and Solemn Simulacrum die at the same time (for example, to a board wipe like Wrath of God), you control both triggers. You can choose the order in which they are put on the stack. You might choose to have the Toad resolve first to empty an opponent's hand, then have the Simulacrum resolve to draw yourself a card.