Sarkhan's ResolveHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Utility at Instant Speed

Sarkhan's Resolve is a modal spell, meaning you must choose one of its two effects as you cast it. The first mode provides a significant +3/+3 power and toughness boost to a target creature, while the second mode functions as a specialized removal spell that can destroy any creature with the flying keyword.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Sarkhan's Resolve, you first choose which mode you are using and select a legal target. If you choose the first mode, the target creature must be on the battlefield; if you choose the second, the target must have flying. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal. If the target has gained hexproof or left the battlefield, the spell will fail to resolve and do nothing.

Common Mistakes

A common error is attempting to change the mode after the spell has been cast; once you choose a mode and pay the mana, you are locked into that choice. Additionally, if you target a creature with the second mode and that creature loses flying before Sarkhan's Resolve resolves, the spell will no longer have a legal target and will be removed from the stack without effect.

When to Play It

Use the first mode during the declare blockers step to save a creature from combat damage or to deal the final points of damage to your opponent. Save the second mode for high-priority threats like dragons or spirits that your ground forces cannot reach. Because it is an instant, you can wait until the last possible moment to react to your opponent's moves.

Interaction examples

Powering Through Defense

If your 2/2 creature is blocked by a 4/4 creature, you can cast Sarkhan's Resolve targeting your creature. It becomes a 5/5, allowing it to survive the combat and destroy the blocker.

Responding to Protection

Heroic Intervention

If you cast Sarkhan's Resolve to destroy an opponent's flying creature, the opponent may respond with Heroic Intervention. Heroic Intervention resolves first, giving their permanents hexproof and indestructible. When Sarkhan's Resolve tries to resolve, its target is now illegal due to hexproof, and the spell does nothing.

Strategic Removal

Beast Within

If an opponent targets your creature with Beast Within to destroy it, you can cast Sarkhan's Resolve in response using the first mode. While your creature will still be destroyed by Beast Within afterward, the +3/+3 buff might allow it to deal extra damage in a fight or via another effect before it leaves the battlefield.