Saruli GatekeepersHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Saruli Gatekeepers features a triggered ability that checks for a specific condition upon entering the battlefield. If you control at least two permanents with the land type 'Gate', you gain 7 life. This is an 'intervening if' clause, meaning the condition is checked both when the creature enters and when the ability tries to resolve.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, Saruli Gatekeepers enters the battlefield. The game checks if you control two or more Gates; if you do, the ability is put onto the stack. If you don't control enough Gates at this exact moment, the ability never triggers. As the ability prepares to resolve, the game checks the Gate count again. If you still control two or more Gates, you gain 7 life.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is playing Saruli Gatekeepers as your second Gate. Because it is a creature and not a land, it does not count toward its own requirement. You must already have two lands with the subtype Gate on the battlefield before or as this creature enters to successfully trigger the life gain. Additionally, losing control of your Gates in response to the trigger will prevent the life gain.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized in dedicated 'Gate' decks or Limited environments where Gates are plentiful. Because 7 life is a substantial amount, it is most effective when you are under pressure from fast creature decks. It serves as a solid blocker while simultaneously undoing several turns of your opponent's progress.

Interaction examples

Securing the Mana Base

Solemn Simulacrum

You have one Gate on the battlefield. You play Solemn Simulacrum to search for a basic land, which helps you reach the four mana needed for Saruli Gatekeepers. However, since the Simulacrum only fetches basic lands, it won't help fulfill the Gate requirement. You must play a second Gate from your hand to ensure the life gain trigger occurs when the Gatekeepers enter.

Repeating the Life Gain

Eternal Witness

If Saruli Gatekeepers is destroyed after gaining you life, you can play Eternal Witness to return the Gatekeepers from your graveyard to your hand. As long as you still control your two Gates, you can cast the Gatekeepers again to gain another 7 life, providing a powerful loop against aggressive decks.

Standard Resolution

You control two Selesnya Guildgates. You cast Saruli Gatekeepers. Upon entering the battlefield, the game sees you control two Gates. The trigger goes on the stack and, upon resolution, your life total increases by 7.