Serra AdvocateHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Flying Support Role

Serra Advocate is a 2/2 creature with Flying and a tap ability that grants another creature +2/+2. Because this ability targets an 'attacking or blocking creature,' it can only be activated during the combat phase after attackers or blockers have been declared. This makes her an excellent combat trick sitting right on your battlefield.

Step-by-Step Resolution

To use Serra Advocate, you must wait until the Declare Attackers or Declare Blockers step. First, identify an eligible target that is currently designated as an attacker or a blocker. Tap Serra Advocate to put the ability on the stack. Once both players pass priority and the ability resolves, the target gains +2/+2. This bonus lasts until the Cleanup step at the end of the current turn.

Timing and Restrictions

A common mistake is trying to use Serra Advocate before combat begins or after combat has ended. Because the target must have the status of 'attacking' or 'blocking,' you cannot use this ability during your Main Phase to buff a creature for other purposes. Additionally, remember that as a creature with a tap ability, she must have been under your control since the beginning of your turn to use it, unless she has Haste.

Strategic Implementation

Serra Advocate excels at turning trades into favorable blocks. You can wait for your opponent to commit to a block before tapping her to ensure your creature survives. Alternatively, she can be used defensively to help a smaller blocker take down a much larger attacking threat.

Interaction examples

Ensuring a Profitable Trade

Solemn Simulacrum

You attack with Solemn Simulacrum, and your opponent blocks with a 3/3 creature. Before damage is dealt, you tap Serra Advocate targeting Solemn Simulacrum. It becomes a 4/4, allowing it to destroy the blocker and survive the encounter. If it does eventually die later, you still get to draw your card!

Tribal Synergies

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Angel' chosen as the creature type, note that Serra Advocate's ability is activated, not triggered. Roaming Throne will not cause Serra Advocate's +2/+2 ability to happen twice because the Throne only affects triggered abilities (those starting with 'When', 'Whenever', or 'At').

Defensive Maneuvers

During your opponent's turn, they attack you with a 4/4 creature. You block with Serra Advocate herself. Because Serra Advocate is now a 'blocking creature,' she is a legal target for her own ability. You can tap her to give herself +2/+2, becoming a 4/4 and trading with the attacker.