Summit IntimidatorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Scaling the Peaks

Summit Intimidator possesses two distinct abilities. First, Reach allows it to block creatures with flying, making it a valuable defensive tool against airborne threats. Second, it features an 'enters' triggered ability that targets a specific creature and prevents it from blocking for the remainder of the turn. This effect is mandatory; if there is at least one legal target on the battlefield when the Yeti enters, you must choose one, even if it belongs to you.

Navigating the Trigger

When Summit Intimidator enters the battlefield, its ability is put onto the stack and you must choose a target creature. Once the ability resolves, that creature is marked with a continuous effect that lasts until the end of the current turn. Even if Summit Intimidator is removed from the battlefield after the ability resolves, the affected creature still won't be able to block.

Strategic Deployment

Timing is crucial for this Yeti. Because the ability triggers immediately upon entering the battlefield, you generally want to play Summit Intimidator during your pre-combat main phase. This ensures the target is unable to block before you declare your attackers. If you play it after combat, the ability will still trigger and resolve, but the restriction on blocking will likely have no impact on the game state.

Interaction examples

Stopping the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

You cast Summit Intimidator while your opponent controls a Solemn Simulacrum. As the Yeti enters the battlefield, its ability triggers, and you target the Solemn Simulacrum. When the ability resolves, the Solemn Simulacrum is unable to block for the rest of the turn, allowing you to attack freely with your other creatures.

Double Intimidation

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield (having chosen 'Yeti'), you play Summit Intimidator. Roaming Throne's replacement effect causes the Yeti's enters-the-battlefield ability to trigger twice. You may target two different creatures your opponent controls, preventing both from blocking this turn.

Reach vs Flight

On your opponent's turn, they attack with a 2/2 creature with Flying. Because Summit Intimidator has Reach, it can be declared as a legal blocker for that flying creature, despite not having Flying itself.