Stab WoundHow it works & interactions with other cards

Bleeding Out

Stab Wound applies two distinct effects to the enchanted creature and its controller. First, it applies a continuous -2/-2 stat reduction, which happens immediately upon the Aura entering the battlefield. Second, it creates a triggered ability that triggers at the start of the upkeep of the player who currently controls the enchanted creature.

Resolving the Trigger

When the upkeep of the enchanted creature's controller begins, Stab Wound's ability goes on the stack. When it resolves, that player loses 2 life. This loss of life is not damage, meaning it cannot be prevented by effects that prevent damage. If the creature dies due to the -2/-2 effect or any other reason, Stab Wound is put into its owner's graveyard and will no longer trigger.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is who loses the life. The life loss is tied to the controller of the creature, not the controller of Stab Wound. If you enchant your opponent's creature, they lose life. Additionally, because the -2/-2 is a continuous effect, if the creature's toughness becomes 0 or less, it is put into the graveyard as a state-based action before anyone can respond or before any upkeep triggers occur.

Strategic Placement

Ideally, you want to place Stab Wound on a creature with at least 3 toughness. This ensures the creature stays on the battlefield, allowing the upkeep trigger to repeat turn after turn. If you use it on a creature with 2 toughness, the creature dies immediately, and you lose the ongoing life-drain benefit.

Interaction examples

Mass Infestation

Perforator Crocodile

When Perforator Crocodile enters the battlefield, its ability triggers. For every creature your opponents control, you conjure a copy of Stab Wound directly onto them. If an opponent controls three creatures, they will lose 6 life at the start of their next upkeep (2 for each Stab Wound) provided the creatures survived the -2/-2 penalty.

Stacking Upkeep Pain

Phyrexian Arena

If your opponent controls a creature enchanted with Stab Wound and also has Phyrexian Arena on the battlefield, both abilities trigger at the start of their upkeep. The player chooses the order in which they resolve. They will draw a card and lose 1 life from the Arena, and lose 2 life from the Stab Wound, for a total of 3 life lost that turn.

Main Phase Pressure

Black Market Connections

Stab Wound triggers during the upkeep phase, which occurs before the pre-combat main phase. If an opponent is at low life, they will lose life to Stab Wound first. If they survive, they then move to their main phase where Black Market Connections triggers, potentially forcing them to choose fewer options to avoid losing their remaining life.