Spined Tyrranax is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
At the beginning of combat on your turn, you may pay. When you do, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. That creature gains trample until end of turn. (It can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.)
Complete guide
Spined Tyrranax is a formidable Dinosaur Beast that turns your combat phase into a tactical advantage. By investing a little extra mana, you can grow your creatures and ensure their damage pierces through enemy lines. This card is an excellent way to turn a stalemate into a crushing victory.
What it Does
Spined Tyrranax features a 'reflexive' triggered ability that occurs at the start of your combat phase. Unlike standard triggers, you don't choose a target immediately. Instead, the game asks if you want to pay {2}{G}. If you do, a second ability triggers, allowing you to place a +1/+1 counter and grant trample to a creature of your choice.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, at the beginning of your combat, the Tyrranax's initial ability goes on the stack. When this resolves, you decide whether to pay the mana. If you pay {2}{G}, the reflexive ability triggers and goes on the stack, at which point you choose your target creature. Players can respond to this second ability before the counter and trample are actually applied.
Common Mistakes
A common error is trying to target a creature before paying the mana. Because the target is only chosen after the cost is paid, your opponent won't know which creature you intend to buff until you have already committed your resources. Also, remember that the +1/+1 counter is permanent, but the trample keyword only lasts until the end of the current turn.
When to Play it
This card shines when you have a high-power creature that is being blocked by small 'chump' blockers. By giving that creature trample, you force the damage through. Since it triggers at the start of combat, you have the flexibility to buff the Tyrranax itself or another attacker to maximize your damage output.
Interaction examples
Roaming ThroneIf you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Dinosaur' as it entered, Spined Tyrranax's ability triggers twice at the start of combat. You may pay {2}{G} for the first trigger to buff a creature, and then pay {2}{G} again for the second trigger to buff the same or a different creature.
Solemn SimulacrumYou can use Spined Tyrranax to turn your utility creatures into threats. By paying {2}{G} at the start of combat, you can target Solemn Simulacrum. The Simulacrum becomes a 3/3 with trample, allowing it to contribute more effectively to the red zone while it waits to be traded off for its death trigger.
On its own, Spined Tyrranax can target itself. By paying the mana, it becomes a 6/5 with trample for that turn. Each subsequent turn you pay the cost, it grows even larger with additional permanent +1/+1 counters.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Spined Tyrranax
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
You don't choose a target for Spiked Tyrranax's ability at the time it triggers. Rather, a second "reflexive" ability triggers when you pay
this way. You choose a target for that ability as it goes on the stack. Each player may respond to this triggered ability as normal.No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Spined Tyrranax
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.