Ribbon SnakeHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Shared Ability

Ribbon Snake has a static ability, Flying, and an activated ability that costs two generic mana. The unique part of this activated ability is that it states 'Any player may activate this ability.' This means your opponents can spend their mana to remove Ribbon Snake's evasion, potentially allowing their ground creatures to block it or preventing it from blocking their own flyers.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, a player announces they are activating the ability and pays two mana. The ability goes on the stack. Once it resolves, a continuous effect is created that removes Flying from Ribbon Snake. This effect lasts until the end of the current turn. Multiple players can activate this ability in response to one another, though usually, one resolution is enough to ground the Snake.

Timing and Control

A common mistake is thinking the owner of Ribbon Snake is the only one who can stop the flying. Because the ability says 'Any player,' you can use it to help an opponent block another opponent's Ribbon Snake, or your opponents can team up to ensure your Snake can't soar over their defenses. Also, remember that removing flying doesn't remove the creature from combat; it only changes how it can be blocked.

When to Play Ribbon Snake

Ribbon Snake is best in aggressive decks that want a 2/3 flyer early. It forces opponents to decide between advancing their own board or spending two mana just to deal with your Snake's evasion. It is particularly effective when your opponents are tapped out, leaving them with no way to activate the ability.

Interaction examples

Navigating the Ground War

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Ribbon Snake and your opponent has a Solemn Simulacrum, they may pay two mana to activate Ribbon Snake's ability. The Snake loses flying, allowing the Solemn Simulacrum to block it. When Solemn Simulacrum dies, its triggered ability will still allow the opponent to draw a card.

Type Synergy and Evasion

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and chose 'Snake' as the creature type, Ribbon Snake will not trigger additional times because its ability is activated, not triggered. However, if an opponent pays two mana to ground your Snake, Roaming Throne (which lacks flying) will be able to block it if the Snake were somehow forced to attack its owner, though it remains a solid 2/3 blocker on the ground.