Poison Dart FrogHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Multi-Talented Defender

Poison Dart Frog features three distinct abilities: Reach, a mana-producing tap ability, and an activated ability that grants it Deathtouch. Reach allows it to block creatures with Flying, making it an effective early-game deterrent against aerial threats. The mana ability provides flexibility for multi-colored decks, while the Deathtouch ability allows it to trade with much larger attackers.

Activating Deathtouch Step by Step

To grant Poison Dart Frog deathtouch, you must pay the activation cost of two generic mana. You can do this at any time you have priority, including during your opponent's turn. Once the ability resolves, the Frog gains deathtouch until the end of the current turn. Remember that any amount of damage dealt by a creature with deathtouch to another creature is considered lethal damage.

Common Timing Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that Poison Dart Frog must be untapped to produce mana, but it does not need to be untapped to activate its deathtouch ability. Additionally, if you want to use the Frog to kill an attacking creature, you must activate the deathtouch ability before the combat damage step begins. Once damage is dealt, it is too late to go back and add deathtouch to the mix.

When to Deploy the Frog

Play Poison Dart Frog early to accelerate your mana pool, similar to how you would use other 'mana dorks.' In the late game, keep two mana open if you anticipate an attack; the threat of activating deathtouch often forces opponents to reconsider attacking into your Reach blocker.

Interaction examples

Scaling Your Mana Base

Llanowar Elves

While Llanowar Elves provides a quick start by producing green mana, Poison Dart Frog offers color fixing. If you have Llanowar Elves on turn one and the Frog on turn two, you can produce three mana on turn three, one of which can be any color required for a splashy spell.

Managing Aerial Threats

Birds of Paradise

If your opponent attacks with Birds of Paradise (perhaps boosted by an equipment), Poison Dart Frog can block it thanks to Reach. By spending two mana to give the Frog deathtouch, you ensure that even a high-toughness flyer will be destroyed upon contact.