Spider-Man, New ChampionHow it works & interactions with other cards

Precision Discarding

Spider-Man, New Champion has a triggered ability that monitors your hand. Whenever you discard one or more cards, the ability triggers and checks exactly how many cards were discarded in that specific instance. It then deals that much damage to any target, including players, planeswalkers, or creatures. Since the damage is tied to the number of cards discarded at once, big discard effects result in one large burst of damage rather than several small ones.

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. An effect or cost causes you to discard one or more cards from your hand. 2. Spider-Man's ability triggers and is put onto the stack. 3. You choose a target for the damage. 4. Players have a chance to respond. 5. The ability resolves, counting the cards discarded to determine the damage dealt to the chosen target.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is miscounting triggers. If an effect says 'discard two cards,' Spider-Man triggers once and deals 2 damage. If you discard cards one by one due to separate effects, he triggers for each individual instance. Also, remember that discarding to your maximum hand size during the cleanup step will trigger this ability, but players will get priority to cast spells and activate abilities afterward before the phase ends.

Strategic Timing

Spider-Man is best utilized in decks that feature 'looting' (drawing and discarding) or 'rummaging' (discarding and drawing) mechanics. Because he has Reach, he also serves as a defensive deterrent against flying creatures while you set up your discard synergies. He is particularly potent when combined with cards that increase the frequency or impact of triggered abilities.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Sting

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Spider', any time you discard a card, Spider-Man's ability triggers twice. If you discard one card, he will deal 1 damage to a target, and then another 1 damage to the same or a different target.

Maximum Hand Size Pressure

Solemn Simulacrum

If Solemn Simulacrum dies and you draw a card that puts you over your maximum hand size, you must discard during your cleanup step. Spider-Man will trigger for each card discarded this way, allowing you to deal damage to your opponent even during the final moments of your turn.

Defensive Maneuvers

Because Spider-Man, New Champion has Reach, he can block flying creatures. While he stands guard, you can use other spells to discard cards, picking off small attackers or dealing the final points of damage to an opponent without needing to attack.