Shore UpHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Shore Up provides three distinct benefits to a creature you control: a +1/+1 power and toughness boost, the hexproof keyword, and an untap effect. Hexproof ensures that your creature cannot be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control, effectively shielding it from most targeted removal and disruptive effects until the end of the turn.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Shore Up by paying one blue mana and choosing a legal target creature you control. Upon resolution, the creature immediately receives +1/+1 and hexproof. Finally, as the last part of the effect, you untap that creature. Because the untap happens as part of the resolution, the creature is ready to be used for its activated abilities or for blocking immediately after the spell finishes resolving.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to use Shore Up to stop a spell that does not target, such as a board wipe that 'destroys all creatures.' Hexproof only prevents targeting, so non-targeted effects still apply. Additionally, remember that you must control the creature to target it with Shore Up; you cannot use it to untap an opponent's creature or give an opponent's creature hexproof.

When to Play It

The best time to cast Shore Up is in response to an opponent's removal spell. By doing so, you make their spell fizzle due to an illegal target while simultaneously buffing your creature. It is also an excellent tool for combat tricks, allowing you to untap a creature that just attacked so it can surprise an opponent by blocking during their turn.

Interaction examples

Dodging Targeted Removal

Counterspell

If an opponent casts a spell like Counterspell to destroy your creature, you can cast Shore Up in response. Shore Up resolves first, giving your creature hexproof. When Counterspell tries to resolve, it finds its target is now illegal and is put into the graveyard with no effect.

Protecting Your Noncreature Spells

An Offer You Can't Refuse

If you cast a powerful artifact and your opponent tries to stop it with An Offer You Can't Refuse, Shore Up won't help your artifact, as Shore Up only targets creatures. However, if they target your creature with a spell instead, Shore Up provides protection, whereas An Offer You Can't Refuse could only counter the opponent's noncreature follow-up spells.

The Surprise Blocker

You attack with a creature during your turn, and it becomes tapped. During your opponent's turn, they attack you, thinking your board is clear. You cast Shore Up on your tapped creature. It gets +1/+1, gains hexproof, and untaps, allowing you to declare it as a blocker and potentially destroy the attacking creature.