Sigil of SleepHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Trigger Works

Sigil of Sleep features a triggered ability that begins with 'Whenever.' This ability triggers every time the enchanted creature deals damage to a player. Crucially, this is not limited to combat damage; if the creature has an ability that allows it to deal non-combat damage directly to a player, the Sigil will still trigger. Once the damage is dealt, the ability goes on the stack and you must choose a target creature controlled by the player who was damaged.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the enchanted creature deals damage to a player. Immediately after, the Sigil of Sleep trigger is put onto the stack, and you choose a target creature that the damaged player controls. If that player controls no creatures, the ability is simply removed from the stack with no effect. If the target is legal, players may then respond with spells or abilities. Finally, as the ability resolves, the targeted creature is returned to its owner's hand.

Strategic Timing

Because Sigil of Sleep requires the creature to successfully deal damage, it is best used on creatures with evasion, such as flying or unblockable. It is also important to remember that the bounce effect is mandatory if there is a legal target. If your opponent only has one creature and you want it gone, you must target it. However, if they have no creatures, you cannot target your own creatures because the card specifically specifies 'target creature that player controls.'

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Sigil of Sleep does not trigger if the damage is prevented or if the creature deals damage to a planeswalker or battle. It must be damage dealt to a player. Additionally, if the enchanted creature is destroyed in response to the trigger, the trigger still resolves as long as the target creature remains legal, as the ability exists independently on the stack once triggered.

Interaction examples

Standard Combat Interaction

You enchant a 1/1 Soldier token with Sigil of Sleep. During combat, the Soldier attacks and is not blocked. It deals 1 damage to your opponent. Sigil of Sleep triggers, and you target your opponent's blocking creature that didn't participate in combat this turn. That creature returns to their hand.

Finding Targets in Multi-Permanent Boards

Urza's Saga

Your opponent has a Construct token created by Urza's Saga. You attack with a creature enchanted by Sigil of Sleep. When the damage is dealt, you can target the Construct token. Since the token is a creature, it is returned to the hand and subsequently ceases to exist.

Interacting with Noncreature Permanents

Mystic Remora

If your opponent controls Mystic Remora and a creature, and you deal damage to that player with a creature enchanted by Sigil of Sleep, you can only return the creature to their hand. Sigil of Sleep cannot target Mystic Remora because the enchantment is not a creature.