Sigarda's VanguardHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Ability

When Sigarda's Vanguard enters the battlefield or attacks, its triggered ability allows you to choose any number of creatures with different powers. A set of creatures has different powers if every creature in that set has a unique power value. For example, a group consisting of a creature with 1 power, one with 2 power, and one with 4 power is a valid set. Importantly, this ability does not target, meaning you make these choices as the ability resolves and can even select creatures with protection or shroud.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the ability is put on the stack after the Vanguard enters or attacks. When the ability resolves, you look at the creatures currently on the battlefield. You identify a set of creatures where no two creatures share the same power value. You can choose a single creature, as it technically forms a set with unique power. Once chosen, every creature in that set gains double strike until the end of the turn, allowing them to deal both first-strike and regular combat damage.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is trying to choose two creatures that have the same power. If you have two 2/2 creatures, you can only choose one of them for this ability because they do not have 'different' powers. Additionally, because the ability does not target, your opponents cannot 'fizzle' the ability by removing a creature in response; you simply choose from the creatures remaining on the battlefield when the ability actually resolves.

Strategic Timing

Since Sigarda's Vanguard has Flash, it is often best played during the declare blockers step of your opponent's turn or your own. This allows you to surprise an opponent by giving your creatures double strike after blockers have already been chosen, potentially destroying their creatures before they can deal damage back or pushing through unexpected lethal damage.

Interaction examples

Varied Golem Strike

Solemn Simulacrum

You have Solemn Simulacrum (power 2) and Sigarda's Vanguard (power 3) on the battlefield. When you attack with both, the Vanguard's ability triggers. Since their powers are different (2 and 3), you can choose both creatures. They both gain double strike until end of turn.

Doubling the Vanguard

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Angel', Sigarda's Vanguard enters the battlefield. This causes its ability to trigger twice. For the first trigger, you might choose the Throne (power 4) and the Vanguard (power 3). For the second trigger, if you have other creatures with different powers, you can grant them double strike as well, maximizing your offensive potential.