Righteousness — ruling 1

A “blocking creature” is one that has been declared as a blocker this combat, or one that was put onto the battlefield blocking this combat. Unless that creature leaves combat, it continues to be a blocking creature through the end of combat step, even if the creature or creatures it was blocking are no longer on the battlefield or have otherwise left combat.

Righteousness : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Righteousness is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Target blocking creature gets +7/+7 until end of turn.

Complete guide

Righteousness is a classic combat trick that can turn a humble defender into a massive powerhouse for just a single white mana. It offers a staggering +7/+7 bonus, punishing opponents who think their largest creatures can safely attack into your board.

What It Does

Righteousness is an instant that targets a blocking creature and gives it +7/+7 until the end of the turn. Because it provides such a massive stat boost, it almost guarantees that your blocker will survive combat while destroying whatever it is blocking.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must wait until the Declare Blockers step of the combat phase. Once you have declared a creature as a blocker, you gain priority to cast Righteousness targeting that creature. When the spell resolves, the creature immediately gains +7/+7. During the Combat Damage step, the creature deals its newly increased damage to the attacking creature it is blocking.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is trying to cast this on an attacking creature; the card specifically requires the target to be a 'blocking creature.' Additionally, if the creature you are blocking is removed from combat before damage is dealt, your creature still counts as a 'blocking creature' and retains the +7/+7 bonus until the end of the turn, though it won't have anything to deal damage to.

When to Play It

Righteousness is best used as a defensive surprise. Since it only costs one mana, you can easily leave it up to deter attacks. It is particularly effective against 'trample' creatures, as the massive increase in toughness can soak up all the damage that would otherwise spill over to your life total.

Interaction examples

Stopping a Giant

If your opponent attacks with a 6/6 creature and you block with a 1/1, you can cast Righteousness on your 1/1. It becomes an 8/8, allowing it to survive the encounter and destroy the 6/6 attacker.

Post-Damage Survival

You can cast Righteousness at any point during the Declare Blockers step or the Combat Damage step. Even after damage is dealt, if your creature is still on the battlefield, you could cast it to protect the creature from subsequent 'damage-based' removal spells during the same turn.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Righteousness

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
A “blocking creature” is one that has been declared as a blocker this combat, or one that was put onto the battlefield blocking this combat. Unless that creature leaves combat, it continues to be a blocking creature through the end of combat step, even if the creature or creatures it was blocking are no longer on the battlefield or have otherwise left combat.
No other card is named in this ruling.