Starfleet Spanner JockeyHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unlocking the Offense

At its base state, Starfleet Spanner Jockey has the defender keyword, meaning it cannot be declared as an attacker during your combat phase. However, its static ability constantly checks if you have cast at least one noncreature spell during the current turn. As soon as a noncreature spell is cast, the condition is met, and the Jockey ignores its defender keyword for the remainder of that turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must cast a noncreature spell, such as an Instant, Sorcery, or Artifact. Note that this condition is satisfied the moment the spell is cast; you do not need to wait for the spell to resolve for the Jockey to gain the ability to attack. Once the spell is on the stack, the Jockey's static ability becomes active. During your Declare Attackers step, if the condition was met earlier in the turn, you may select the Jockey as an attacking creature.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming the spell must resolve to 'trigger' the ability. Because this is a static ability, not a triggered one, it is 'always on' as long as the condition is true. Another mistake is thinking that casting an Artifact Creature counts; because it has the 'Creature' type, it does not satisfy the 'noncreature spell' requirement, even if it has other types like Artifact.

Strategic Timing

Since the ability checks if you have cast a spell 'this turn', you can cast an Instant during your Beginning of Combat step to suddenly enable the Jockey to attack. This can surprise opponents who expected you to only have a passive blocker available.

Interaction examples

The Creature Spell Trap

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you cast Ornithopter of Paradise, Starfleet Spanner Jockey cannot attack. Even though Ornithopter of Paradise is an Artifact, it is also a Creature. Only spells that do not have the 'Creature' type will satisfy the Jockey's requirement.

Engineering an Attack

Foundry Inspector

Suppose you have Foundry Inspector on the battlefield. You cast a noncreature Artifact spell. Foundry Inspector reduces the cost of that spell, and once you finish the casting process, Starfleet Spanner Jockey's condition is met. Even if the Artifact spell is later countered, the Jockey has still 'cast' a noncreature spell and is free to attack that turn.