Skittering HeartstopperHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Toxic Touch on Demand

Skittering Heartstopper features an activated ability that costs one black mana to grant itself deathtouch until the end of the turn. Deathtouch is a keyword ability that causes any amount of damage dealt by this creature to another creature to be considered lethal damage. Because the ability can be activated at any time you have priority, you can wait until blockers are declared before deciding whether to spend the mana.

Activating the Ability

To use Skittering Heartstopper effectively, you must pay its activation cost while it is on the battlefield. Once the ability resolves, it remains in effect until the cleanup step of the current turn. This means if you use it during the declare blockers step, it will have deathtouch when combat damage is assigned and dealt, successfully destroying any creature it touches regardless of that creature's toughness.

Timing and Strategy

A common mistake is activating the ability too early. Since the ability is an instant-speed activated ability, you can wait until your opponent commits to a block. If they choose not to block, you can save your mana for other spells. Also, remember that deathtouch only applies to damage dealt; if Skittering Heartstopper is removed from the battlefield before damage is dealt, it won't kill the opposing creature.

Interaction examples

Mana Fix and Lethal Defense

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent attacks with a large creature, you can tap Ornithopter of Paradise to add one black mana to your mana pool. Spend that mana to activate Skittering Heartstopper's ability. Now, even though Skittering Heartstopper only has 1 power, its deathtouch will destroy the large attacker when they trade in combat.

Profit from the Trade

Blood Artist

With Blood Artist on the battlefield, you can use Skittering Heartstopper to block an expensive creature. Activate deathtouch so both creatures die. When they are put into the graveyard, Blood Artist's triggered ability will fire twice, letting you drain your opponent for 2 life while having successfully removed their biggest threat for just one black mana.