Odric, Master TacticianHow it works & interactions with other cards

Taking Command of Combat

Odric's ability triggers when he and at least three other creatures are declared as attackers during the Declare Attackers step. Once the ability resolves, you gain the power to choose which creatures block and how they are assigned to your attacking creatures. You can force every opponent's creature to block, force them all to stay back, or create specific matchups that benefit your strategy.

Legality of Blocks

While you choose the blocks, you cannot force an illegal block. For example, if a creature has flying, you cannot force a creature without flying or reach to block it. Furthermore, if a creature has a cost to block, such as paying mana, its controller can choose not to pay. If they refuse to pay, your original plan for that creature is void, and you must choose a new set of legal blocks for the combat phase.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Odric's ability works if he enters the battlefield already attacking (such as via Ninjutsu or an effect like Kaalia of the Vast). The ability only triggers if Odric and three others are declared as attackers at the start of the combat phase. Additionally, remember that you must still follow all 'requirements' and 'restrictions' of cards on the table, such as creatures that 'must block if able.'

When to Deploy the Tactician

Odric is most effective when you have a board presence of at least four creatures. He is a primary target for removal, so timing your attack to ensure his trigger hits the stack is vital. Use him to clear out problematic utility creatures by forcing them to block your largest attackers, or simply declare 'no blockers' to finish off an opponent with lethal damage.

Interaction examples

Orchestrating a Total Bypass

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Odric, Solemn Simulacrum, and two other creatures, Odric's ability triggers. You can choose to have zero creatures block. Even if your opponent has a massive army, all your attackers, including the Solemn Simulacrum, will deal damage directly to the opponent's life total.

Doubling the Strategy

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Human', Odric's attack trigger will fire twice. While the second trigger is redundant since you already have control over blocking, the Roaming Throne counts as one of the three 'other creatures' needed to satisfy Odric's requirement, helping you reach the tactical threshold faster.

Selective Elimination

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls a creature you want to destroy, you can use Odric to force that specific creature to block your strongest attacker while ensuring your Solemn Simulacrum remains unblocked. Because Odric has First Strike, he can also be assigned to block a high-power, low-toughness creature to kill it before it can deal damage back.