Snakeskin VeilHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Snakeskin Veil performs two distinct actions when it resolves: it places a permanent +1/+1 counter on a creature you control and grants that creature hexproof until the end of the turn. Hexproof is a keyword ability that prevents the creature from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by your opponents. Because the +1/+1 counter is permanent, the creature remains slightly stronger even after the protective veil fades at the end of the turn.

Resolution Step by Step

First, you cast Snakeskin Veil and choose a legal target creature you control. If an opponent tries to respond with a removal spell, Snakeskin Veil is still on the stack. Once it resolves, the counter is placed first, and then the hexproof shield is applied. If the targeted creature is no longer on the battlefield or is otherwise an illegal target when Snakeskin Veil tries to resolve, the entire spell fails to resolve and none of its effects happen—you won't get the counter or the hexproof.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to use Snakeskin Veil to protect a creature from 'board wipes' or non-targeted effects. Hexproof only stops effects that use the word 'target.' Additionally, players sometimes forget that if they lose control of the creature before the spell resolves, the spell will fizzle because it can only target a creature you control. Unlike some other protection spells, this does not grant indestructible, so the creature can still be destroyed by lethal combat damage or effects like 'destroy all creatures'.

When to Play It

The most effective time to play Snakeskin Veil is in response to an opponent's targeted removal spell, such as a destruction effect or an exile ability. By waiting for them to commit their mana and a card, you 'counter' their play for just one green mana while simultaneously growing your creature. It can also be used during the combat damage step to give your creature just enough toughness to survive a block or enough power to finish off a planeswalker.

Interaction examples

Layering Protection

Heroic Intervention

If an opponent casts a spell that says 'Destroy target creature' and follows it up with a 'Destroy all nonland permanents' spell, you can use Snakeskin Veil to stop the first targeted threat. However, to survive the global destruction, you would need to cast Heroic Intervention. Using both ensures your creature is both untargetable by the first spell and indestructible against the second.

Protecting the Tutor

Worldly Tutor

Imagine you cast Worldly Tutor to put a key creature on top of your library. On your next turn, you cast that creature. If your opponent immediately tries to use a targeted ability to remove that creature before it can attack, you can cast Snakeskin Veil. This protects the investment you made with Worldly Tutor, ensuring the creature you searched for stays on the battlefield and receives a +1/+1 counter for its upcoming combat.