Silverstorm SamuraiHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Silverstorm Samurai is a 3/3 creature with two key abilities: Flash and Bushido 1. Flash allows you to play this card at any time you could cast an instant, effectively bypassing the usual timing restrictions for creatures. Bushido 1 is a triggered combat ability that grants the Samurai +1/+1 whenever it blocks or is blocked, making it a 4/4 during combat exchanges.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Silverstorm Samurai, it goes on the stack like any other spell, but Flash allows you to do this during an opponent's turn or even during the combat phase. Once it enters the battlefield, it functions as a regular creature. If it is assigned as a blocker or if an opponent blocks it, the Bushido 1 ability triggers. This trigger goes on the stack and, once resolved, increases the Samurai's power and toughness until the end of the turn.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that Bushido triggers separately for each combat encounter but only once per combat phase. If Silverstorm Samurai blocks multiple creatures (via an additional effect), Bushido 1 still only triggers once when it becomes a blocker. Also, remember that Flash does not change the card's mana value; it still costs six mana regardless of when you cast it.

When to Play It

The best time to play Silverstorm Samurai is during your opponent's declare attackers step. By flashing it in after attackers are declared, you can surprise your opponent with a blocker they didn't account for. The Bushido bonus ensures it can take down 3-toughness attackers and survive, or trade with larger 4-toughness threats.

Interaction examples

The Surprise Blocker

Sun Titan

Your opponent attacks with Sun Titan. Before the declare blockers step ends, you cast Silverstorm Samurai using Flash. After it resolves, you declare it as a blocker. Bushido 1 triggers, making the Samurai a 4/4. While Sun Titan survives with its 6 toughness, your Samurai successfully blocks the damage and survives if the Titan had less power, though in this case, the Samurai would perish while holding the line.

Combat Math Mastery

Psychosis Crawler

You have three cards in your hand, making Psychosis Crawler a 3/3. You attack with Silverstorm Samurai. Your opponent blocks with their Psychosis Crawler. Silverstorm Samurai's Bushido 1 triggers, making it a 4/4. During the damage step, the 4/4 Samurai deals lethal damage to the 3/3 Crawler, winning the exchange.