Snow DevilHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Snow Devil is an Aura that attaches to a creature on the battlefield. Its primary function is to grant the enchanted creature the flying keyword, allowing it to bypass ground-based blockers or intercept other flyers. Additionally, it features a conditional combat ability that grants first strike, but only if two specific requirements are met: the creature must be in the act of blocking, and you must control at least one snow land.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you cast Snow Devil, you target a creature. Upon resolution, the Aura enters the battlefield attached to that creature. The flying ability is constant and always active. However, the game continuously checks if you control a snow land and if the creature is assigned as a blocker. If both conditions are true during the declare blockers step, the creature immediately gains first strike, allowing it to deal combat damage before a creature without first strike or double strike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent error is assuming the first strike ability applies when the enchanted creature is attacking; it only functions while blocking. Furthermore, players often forget that the first strike is dependent on controlling a snow land at the moment combat damage is calculated. If your snow land is destroyed before damage, the creature will lose first strike and deal damage simultaneously with its attacker.

When to Play It

Play Snow Devil when you need to stabilize against aggressive strategies. Because it grants flying, it allows your best blocker to handle threats like dragons or birds. It is most effective in 'Snow' themed decks where you can guarantee the presence of snow lands to unlock the defensive first strike bonus, making it extremely difficult for opponents to trade creatures effectively.

Interaction examples

Defensive Advantage with Snow Devil

If you control a Snow-Covered Island and enchant a basic creature with Snow Devil, that creature now has flying. When an opponent attacks you with a ground creature, you can block it. Because you control a snow land and are blocking, your creature has first strike and will likely destroy the attacker before it can strike back.

Resource Management Interactions

Rhystic Study

When you cast Snow Devil, your opponent's Rhystic Study will trigger. If you do not pay the additional {1} mana required by the Study, your opponent will draw a card. Note that Snow Devil only resolves and attaches to your creature if the spell itself isn't countered, regardless of the Rhystic Study trigger's outcome.

Noncreature Spell Timing

Mystic Remora

Snow Devil is a noncreature spell. If an opponent has Mystic Remora on the battlefield and you cast Snow Devil, the Remora's ability triggers. You must choose to pay {4} or allow your opponent to draw a card. This interaction highlights that Auras are subject to 'noncreature' triggers even though they affect creatures.