Storm CrowHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Mechanics

Storm Crow is a creature with a mana value of two, costing one blue and one generic mana. Its primary attribute is Flying, a keyword evasion ability. This means that when Storm Crow attacks, it can only be blocked by other creatures with flying or reach. If the defending player only controls ground-based creatures without reach, Storm Crow will deal its damage directly to the player or planeswalker it is attacking.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you cast Storm Crow, it goes onto the stack like any other creature spell. If it is not countered, it enters the battlefield as a 1/2 blue Bird. Once on the battlefield, it is subject to summoning sickness unless it gains haste. During your combat phase, you can declare it as an attacker; at this point, the game checks for valid blockers. Only creatures with flying or reach can be declared as blockers for it. During the damage step, if unblocked, it deals 1 point of combat damage.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Storm Crow has 2 toughness, which allows it to survive combat with 1/1 flying tokens or withstand small area-of-effect spells that deal only 1 damage. Additionally, players sometimes forget that while it can't be blocked by ground creatures, it can still block ground creatures itself. However, using it to block a large ground creature will usually result in Storm Crow being destroyed since it only has 2 toughness.

When to Play It

Storm Crow is best utilized in decks that need early-game presence or Bird-type synergies. Because it is cheap to cast, it helps establish board control early. In formats where specific cards reward you for casting multiple spells or having creatures with flying, Storm Crow serves as an efficient enabler. It is also a prime target for enchantments or equipment that can boost its power, turning its evasion into a significant clock for the opponent.

Interaction examples

Swarming the Skies

Crow StormStorm Crow

If you have cast two other spells this turn and then cast Crow Storm, the Storm ability triggers, putting two copies of the spell on the stack. When the stack resolves, you will create three Storm Crow tokens, giving you a total of 3/6 worth of stats spread across three flying bodies.

Enhancing the Flock

MurmurationStorm Crow

With Murmuration on the battlefield, your Storm Crow becomes a 2/3 creature with flying and vigilance. This allows you to attack for 2 damage in the air while keeping Storm Crow untapped to block during your opponent's turn. Additionally, at the end of your turn, Murmuration will create more Storm Crow tokens for each spell you cast.

Unexpected Reinforcements

Attempted MurderStorm Crow

When you cast Attempted Murder targeting an opponent's creature, you roll X dice. For every odd result, you create a Storm Crow token. This allows you to simultaneously weaken a threat with -1/-1 counters (on even results) and build your own board presence with 1/2 flyers.