Stand UnitedHow it works & interactions with other cards

Boosting and Filtering

When you cast Stand United, you target one creature to receive a +2/+2 bonus until the end of the turn. The spell then checks the creature's types; if it has the Ally subtype, you also get to scry 2. This allows you to look at the top two cards of your library and choose whether to keep them on top or move them to the bottom, helping you find the resources you need for the following turn.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you choose a legal target for the spell and pay the mana cost using either Green or White mana. Upon resolution, the target creature gains the +2/+2 stat increase immediately. Second, the game checks if the target is an Ally. If it is, you perform the scry action. If the target is no longer on the battlefield or has become illegal by the time the spell tries to resolve, the entire spell fails and you will not get to scry, even if the target was an Ally.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming you get to scry regardless of the target's survival. Because the scry is part of the spell's resolution, if your opponent removes the creature in response, the spell is removed from the stack with no effect. Additionally, remember that the Ally check happens only as the spell resolves; changing a creature's type after the spell finishes will not retroactively grant or take away the scry.

Strategic Timing

This spell is best used during the declare blockers step to save a creature or ensure a trade. If you are targeting an Ally, it is often better to use it during your own turn before your draw step if you desperately need to filter your deck for a specific land or answer.

Interaction examples

Responding to Exile

Swords to Plowshares

You cast Stand United on your Ally creature. In response, your opponent casts Swords to Plowshares targeting the same creature. Swords to Plowshares resolves first, exiling your creature. When Stand United tries to resolve, its only target is gone, so the spell fizzles. You do not get the +2/+2 bonus and you do not get to scry 2.

Buffing Through Removal

Path to Exile

If you target a creature with Stand United and an opponent responds with Path to Exile, the creature is exiled before your buff can apply. You will still get to search for a basic land from Path to Exile's effect, but the Stand United spell will fail to resolve because its target is no longer present on the battlefield.

Pure Combat Value

In a simple combat scenario, you attack with a 2/2 creature and your opponent blocks with their own 2/2. You cast Stand United. Your creature becomes a 4/4, survives the combat, and destroys the blocker. If your creature was an Ally, you then scry 2 to optimize your next turn.