Stalking BloodsuckerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Airborne Menace

Stalking Bloodsucker is a 4/4 creature with Flying, making it difficult for many decks to block effectively. Its activated ability allows you to pay one generic mana, one black mana, and discard a card to give it +2/+2 until the end of the turn. Because this ability does not have a 'once per turn' restriction, you can activate it as many times as you have mana and cards in your hand.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you announce the activation and pay the costs: {1}{B} and discarding a card from your hand. The ability then goes onto the stack, and players may respond. Once the ability resolves, Stalking Bloodsucker receives the +2/+2 buff. If you activate it multiple times, each instance of +2/+2 is cumulative. For example, discarding three cards will result in a total of +6/+6 until the end of the turn.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is discarding cards too early. Since the ability can be activated at instant speed, you should generally wait until your opponent has declared blockers or attempted to use removal. Also, remember that the discard is a cost; if the ability is countered or the creature is destroyed in response, you do not get your discarded card back.

When to Strike

This card shines when you have extra lands or cards that benefit from being in the graveyard. It is most effective when your opponent is low on life and has no flying blockers, allowing you to discard your entire hand for a lethal surprise attack. It also functions as a way to protect the creature from damage-based removal by increasing its toughness in response.

Interaction examples

Graveyard Pings

Syr Konrad, the Grim

If you control Syr Konrad, the Grim, activating Stalking Bloodsucker's ability by discarding a creature card will trigger Syr Konrad. This results in the Bloodsucker getting +2/+2 while Syr Konrad deals 1 damage to each opponent, double-dipping on the value of your discard.

Devotion and Power

Gray Merchant of Asphodel

Stalking Bloodsucker has two black mana symbols in its cost, contributing 2 to your devotion to black. When you play Gray Merchant of Asphodel, Stalking Bloodsucker ensures a larger life drain, and you can then discard any extra cards you don't need to ensure the Bloodsucker hits for maximum damage on your next turn.