Phyrexian CrusaderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Protection and Infect

Phyrexian Crusader possesses two crucial keywords: Protection and Infect. Protection from red and from white means it cannot be damaged, enchanted, equipped, blocked, or targeted by anything with those colors. Meanwhile, Infect changes how it deals damage. Instead of reducing life, it gives players Poison Counters; ten of these and the game is over. Against creatures, it places permanent -1/-1 counters.

Combat Resolution and First Strike

Because this creature has First Strike, it deals damage before most other creatures. If it blocks or is blocked by a creature without First Strike or Double Strike, the Crusader applies its -1/-1 counters first. This immediately reduces the power of the opposing creature before that creature gets to strike back. If the -1/-1 counters reduce the opposing creature's toughness to zero, it is put into the graveyard before it can deal any damage to the Crusader.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Protection makes the Crusader invincible to all removal. It can still be destroyed by board wipes that do not target or deal damage, such as black or green 'destroy all' effects. Additionally, remember that Infect is not a triggered ability; it is a static replacement for how damage is dealt. You do not 'stack' the poison; it happens simultaneously with the damage step.

When to Play It

You should deploy Phyrexian Crusader early to capitalize on its protection. Against Boros or Jeskai decks, it is virtually unblockable and untargetable. It is best used in aggressive shells where you can pump its power, as every increase in power directly translates to more Poison Counters, accelerating your path to victory.

Interaction examples

Applying Pressure to Players

Poison Counter

When Phyrexian Crusader deals 2 combat damage to a player, that player does not lose life. Instead, the damage results in the player receiving two Poison Counters. According to the rules for Poison Counters, if that player reaches a total of ten, they lose the game immediately as a state-based action.

Weakening the Defense

Solemn Simulacrum

If a Solemn Simulacrum blocks a Phyrexian Crusader, the Crusader deals its damage first due to First Strike. The Simulacrum receives two -1/-1 counters, making it a 0/0 creature. Because its toughness is now zero, the Simulacrum dies and is put into the graveyard before it can deal its 2 damage back to the Crusader.

Tribal Synergy with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

While Phyrexian Crusader has powerful static abilities, Roaming Throne (choosing Zombie or Knight) only interacts with triggered abilities. Note that Infect and Protection are static abilities and First Strike is a keyword ability, none of which are triggered. Therefore, Roaming Throne will not cause the Crusader to deal 'double' infect damage, though the Throne remains a strong body alongside it.