Strike the Weak SpotHow it works & interactions with other cards

Identifying the Target

This spell targets a single Head on the Hydra's battlefield. In the context of the Challenge Deck, Heads are unique permanents that act as the Hydra's primary weapons. You must choose a valid Head as the target when you cast the spell; if the target becomes illegal before the spell resolves, the entire spell will fail to resolve.

Resolution and the Extra Turn

When Strike the Weak Spot resolves, the targeted Head is destroyed and placed into the Hydra's graveyard. The spell then checks the status of that Head. If the destroyed Head was an 'elite' Head, a triggered effect creates an extra turn for the players. This extra turn is taken immediately after the current turn ends, allowing for a strategic follow-up attack.

Common Pitfalls

It is important to remember that this is a Sorcery, meaning it can usually only be cast during your main phase when the stack is empty. Additionally, the extra turn condition only applies if the Head is specifically 'elite'. If you destroy a regular Head, you still remove the threat, but you will not receive the additional turn bonus.

Strategic Timing

Wait until an elite Head appears to get the most value out of this card. Because the Hydra deck operates on automated turns, securing an extra turn for the players can effectively neutralize the Hydra's board state before it has a chance to regrow new heads during its next movement.

Interaction examples

Double the Destruction

Wandering Archaic // Explore the Vastlands

If your opponent (the Hydra, if controlled by a player) casts a spell while Wandering Archaic is on the field, and you manage to copy Strike the Weak Spot, you can target two different Heads. If at least one of those Heads was elite, you will earn an extra turn after the current one. Note that multiple extra turns would be taken one after the other.

Managing the Board

All Is Dust

If the Hydra has many Heads and you need to clear the board, All Is Dust might force the sacrifice of colored permanents. However, because Heads in the Challenge Deck are often colorless, All Is Dust may not affect them. Strike the Weak Spot serves as the precise tool to remove a specific, high-priority Head that All Is Dust cannot touch.

Sequential Resolution

You cast Strike the Weak Spot targeting an Elite Head. The spell resolves: the Elite Head is put into the graveyard. The game checks the 'elite' status, confirms it, and schedules an extra turn for you. You finish your current turn, skip the Hydra's potential next move, and go straight into your extra turn.