SkystingerHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Skystinger is a 3-mana green creature with Reach, meaning it can block creatures with Flying even though it doesn't have Flying itself. Additionally, it has a triggered ability that grants it +5/+0 until the end of the turn whenever it blocks a creature with Flying, making it an effective deterrent against large flyers.

Resolution Step by Step

When your opponent declares an attacker with Flying, you may declare Skystinger as a blocker during the Declare Blockers step. Once the block is legally declared, Skystinger's triggered ability goes on the stack. Both players have a chance to respond before the ability resolves and Skystinger's power increases by 5. The damage is then dealt in the Combat Damage step using this new power value.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is assuming Skystinger gets the bonus when it is blocked by a flying creature; the ability only triggers when Skystinger itself is the one doing the blocking. Also, remember that the +5/+0 bonus lasts until the end of the turn, so if there are multiple combat phases or other effects, the power boost persists until the Cleanup step.

When to Play It

Skystinger is best played in decks that struggle against Flying-heavy strategies. Its low mana cost allows it to hit the board early, acting as a wall that can trade up into much more expensive dragons or angels.

Interaction examples

Holding the Line

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If your opponent attacks with a flyer and you have both Skystinger and Sakura-Tribe Elder, you can use Skystinger to block the flyer to trigger the +5/+0 bonus. Meanwhile, you can sacrifice Sakura-Tribe Elder to fetch a land, ensuring your mana base grows while your Skystinger handles the defensive duties.

Strategic Trading

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with two flyers, Skystinger can block one and gain +5/+0 to potentially destroy it. Even if your other creatures like Solemn Simulacrum cannot block flyers, Skystinger provides the necessary air defense, and if Solemn Simulacrum dies later in the game, you still get the benefit of drawing a card while Skystinger remains a threat.