Stonehoof ChieftainHow it works & interactions with other cards

Invincible Offense

Stonehoof Chieftain possesses two key keywords: Trample and Indestructible. While it is difficult to remove itself, its true strength lies in its triggered ability. Whenever another creature you control is declared as an attacker, that creature gains those same two keywords until the end of the turn, ensuring they can punch through damage and survive any combat encounter.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you enter the beginning of combat step. Next, you move to the declare attackers step and choose which creatures will attack. For every creature other than Stonehoof Chieftain that you tap and declare as an attacker, a separate triggered ability goes on the stack. As these triggers resolve, each attacking creature gains trample and indestructible. Only after these triggers resolve do your opponents get the chance to declare blockers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common error is thinking Stonehoof Chieftain protects creatures from spells played earlier in the turn. The indestructible keyword is only granted when the creature attacks; it does not protect them during your main phase. Additionally, remember that if Stonehoof Chieftain is removed from the battlefield before you declare attackers, its ability will not trigger, and your other creatures will not receive the buffs.

Strategic Timing

Since this card costs eight mana, it is best utilized in decks that can ramp quickly or cheat creatures into play. It is most effective when you already have a wide board state, as it turns small utility creatures into lethal threats that the opponent cannot simply trade with in combat.

Interaction examples

The Plant Stampede

Avenger of Zendikar

You have several Plant tokens created by Avenger of Zendikar. When you move to combat and attack with the Plants and the Stonehoof Chieftain, the Chieftain's ability triggers for each Plant. Even though the Plants might be small, they now have indestructible and trample, meaning they will survive any blockers and any excess damage from their power (if boosted by landfall) will go straight to the opponent.

Double Trample Overkill

Craterhoof Behemoth

If Craterhoof Behemoth enters the battlefield, your creatures get a massive power boost and trample. When you subsequently attack with both, Stonehoof Chieftain triggers for the Behemoth. The Behemoth gains indestructible and a redundant instance of trample. This ensures your massive Behemoth cannot be destroyed by 'deathtouch' blockers or combat damage while it delivers the finishing blow.

Solo Charge

If Stonehoof Chieftain attacks alone, its triggered ability does not fire because it only targets 'another' creature. However, the Chieftain still benefits from its own printed trample and indestructible, making it a safe 8/8 attacker that must be dealt with via exile or sacrifice effects rather than damage.