Spirited CompanionHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Spirited Companion is a 1/1 Enchantment Creature — Dog with a straightforward but powerful enters-the-battlefield (ETB) ability. For the cost of one generic and one white mana, it provides you with a body on the board and draws you a card. Being both an enchantment and a creature makes it uniquely searchable and able to trigger various types of abilities.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Spirited Companion by paying its mana cost. If it successfully resolves and enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Players can respond to this trigger (for example, by trying to destroy the Dog), but the draw ability will still resolve regardless of whether Spirited Companion stays on the field. Finally, you draw one card from the top of your library.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that Spirited Companion is an enchantment in all zones, including the battlefield. This means it can be destroyed by effects like 'Destroy target enchantment.' Additionally, players sometimes forget that if the spell is countered, the draw trigger never happens because the creature never officially entered the battlefield.

When to Play It

This card is best used in decks that value 'enters-the-battlefield' effects or need to maintain a high hand size. It is an excellent early-game play to smooth out your draws and can be sacrificed later for value once you have already drawn the card. It also excels in decks that care about the number of enchantments you control.

Interaction examples

Early Game Mana Fixing

Ornithopter of Paradise

On turn two, you tap Ornithopter of Paradise for one white mana and use another land to cast Spirited Companion. The Companion enters, drawing you into your third land drop, ensuring your curve stays on track while the Ornithopter provides the necessary color fix.

Building Card Advantage

Esper Sentinel

With Esper Sentinel on the battlefield, you cast Spirited Companion. The Dog enters and immediately draws you a card. Now, your opponent is pressured; if they try to use a noncreature removal spell to kill either creature, Esper Sentinel may trigger, potentially drawing you a second card in a single rotation.