Selfless SquireHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Selfless Squire has two distinct triggered abilities. The first triggers when it enters the battlefield, creating a continuous effect that prevents all damage that would be dealt to you (the player) for the rest of the turn. The second is a triggered ability that watches for any prevented damage. Whenever damage that would be dealt to you is prevented by any effect—not just its own—you put a +1/+1 counter on the Squire for each point of damage stopped.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Selfless Squire, often during an opponent's combat phase. Once it enters the battlefield, its first ability goes on the stack. When that ability resolves, a shield is placed on you for the remainder of the turn. Later in the turn, if a source would deal damage to you, that damage is prevented. This immediately triggers the Squire's second ability. When that second ability resolves, you count how much damage was just prevented and place that many +1/+1 counters on the creature.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the Squire prevents damage to your creatures or planeswalkers; it only protects you, the player. Additionally, remember that the damage prevention effect lasts the entire turn even if the Squire is removed from the battlefield. However, if the Squire is no longer on the battlefield when damage is prevented later in the turn, its second ability cannot trigger to give it counters.

When to Play It

The ideal time to play Selfless Squire is when an opponent is attacking with multiple large creatures or a single lethal threat. Because it has Flash, you can wait until the Declare Attackers or Declare Blockers step to ensure the most damage possible is prevented, maximizing the number of counters the Squire receives before your next turn.

Interaction examples

The Ultimate Combat Trick

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks you with a Solemn Simulacrum and several other creatures for a total of 10 damage, you can flash in Selfless Squire. Its entry ability resolves, preventing that 10 damage. The second ability then triggers, placing ten +1/+1 counters on the Squire, turning your 1/1 into an 11/11 powerhouse instantly.

Doubling the Protection

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' chosen as the type, Selfless Squire's enter-the-battlefield ability triggers twice. While the damage prevention doesn't stack (damage is already prevented by the first shield), the Throne also affects the second ability. Every time damage is prevented, the Squire's ability to gain counters triggers an additional time. If 5 damage is prevented, you will put 5 counters on it twice, for a total of 10 counters.