Port InspectorHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Port Inspector is a creature that features a triggered ability tied to the combat phase. Its ability specifically triggers when the 'blocked' state is achieved. It does not provide any combat stats or evasion itself, but it transforms a standard block into a reconnaissance mission, allowing you to see every card in the defending player's hand.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you must declare Port Inspector as an attacker during your Declare Attackers step. During the Declare Blockers step, if the defending player chooses to assign one or more creatures to block Port Inspector, the ability triggers and is put onto the stack. Before any combat damage is dealt, the ability resolves, and you may look at the defending player's hand. Note that this happens before creatures deal damage, giving you information that might influence how you use combat tricks or spells later in the turn.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the ability triggers if Port Inspector is blocked by multiple creatures multiple times; however, a creature 'becomes blocked' only once per combat. Additionally, if Port Inspector is removed from combat or destroyed after the block is declared but before the ability resolves, you still get to look at the hand because the ability is already on the stack. Finally, remember that looking at the hand is optional ('you may'), though there is rarely a reason not to.

When to Play it

Port Inspector is best utilized in tempo decks where knowing the opponent's counterspells or removal is vital. It is particularly effective when you can force your opponent to block, either by buffing Port Inspector's power to make it a threat or by using it against a deck that must block to survive. It serves as a psychological tool that makes every combat phase stressful for your opponent.

Interaction examples

The Flight Advantage

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent controls Ornithopter of Paradise, they might choose to block Port Inspector to prevent life loss. As soon as the Ornithopter of Paradise is declared as a blocker, Port Inspector's ability triggers. You get to see their hand before the creatures deal damage to each other, allowing you to see if they have a follow-up play for the mana provided by the Thopter.

Cost Reduction and Information

Foundry Inspector

With Foundry Inspector on the battlefield, your artifact spells are cheaper, but Port Inspector remains a standard cost. If you attack with Port Inspector and your opponent blocks with their Foundry Inspector, the ability triggers. You can look at their hand to see which expensive artifacts they are holding and planning to cast with the Foundry Inspector's discount, helping you decide if you should use a removal spell on the Construct after combat.