Sinkhole SurveyorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Endure

When Sinkhole Surveyor attacks, its triggered ability goes on the stack. As it resolves, you lose 1 life and then carry out the endure instruction. You must choose one of two options: put a +1/+1 counter on the Sinkhole Surveyor, or create a 1/1 white Spirit creature token. This choice is made during resolution, meaning your opponent cannot react after they know which option you have selected.

The Step-by-Step Resolution

First, declare Sinkhole Surveyor as an attacking creature. This triggers the ability. Second, if the ability resolves, you lose 1 life. Third, check if Sinkhole Surveyor is still on the battlefield. If it is, you choose to either add a +1/+1 counter to it or create a Spirit token. If the Surveyor has been removed from the battlefield before the ability resolves, you cannot place a counter on it, so you will automatically create a Spirit token instead.

Strategic Choices and Timing

You should play Sinkhole Surveyor early to start building your resources. Because the choice for endure happens on resolution, you can see how your opponent blocks or what spells they cast before deciding. If they have a removal spell in response to the attack, you still get the Spirit token. If you need to fly over for more damage later, choosing the +1/+1 counter turns the Surveyor into a substantial threat.

Interaction examples

Multiplying Threats

Sinkhole SurveyorSpirit

When Sinkhole Surveyor attacks for the first time, you choose to create a Spirit token. On the following turn, you attack with the Surveyor again. This time, you choose to put a +1/+1 counter on it. Now you have a 3/2 flyer and a 1/1 token ready to defend or attack, maximizing your board presence.

Surviving Removal

Sinkhole SurveyorOrnithopter of Paradise

You attack with Sinkhole Surveyor while you have an Ornithopter of Paradise on the field. Your opponent casts a destruction spell on the Surveyor in response to the attack trigger. Because the trigger is already on the stack, it still resolves; since the Surveyor is gone, you are forced to create a 1/1 Spirit token, ensuring you don't lose value from the exchange.

Managing the Life Toll

Sinkhole SurveyorBlood Artist

Each time Sinkhole Surveyor attacks, you lose 1 life. By having Blood Artist on the battlefield, you can offset this cost. If you use the endure ability to create Spirit tokens and those tokens later die in combat, Blood Artist triggers to drain life from your opponent and heal you, effectively fueling the Surveyor's recurring cost.