The AvengerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Granting Lethaity

The Avenger features an activated ability that costs three generic mana and tapping the card itself. When this ability resolves, a target creature you control gains deathtouch until the end of the current turn. Deathtouch is a powerful keyword: any amount of damage the creature deals to another creature is considered lethal, enough to destroy it.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, ensure you have three mana available and that The Avenger is not currently tapped. Activate the ability by paying the cost and choosing a legal target creature you control. Once the ability is on the stack, players may respond. If the ability resolves, the creature gains deathtouch. This effect lasts until the 'cleanup step' at the very end of the turn, regardless of what happens to The Avenger afterward.

Strategic Timing

A common mistake is using the ability too early. Because the ability requires tapping The Avenger, you should wait until the declare attackers or declare blockers step. By waiting, you force your opponent to make decisions without knowing which creature will become deadly, often causing them to avoid blocking entirely.

Mana Management

Since the ability costs three mana, efficiency is key. You need a reliable mana base to ensure you can activate this defensive or offensive tool every turn while still casting other spells. Using artifacts and lands that produce mana quickly will ensure The Avenger is always ready for combat.

Interaction examples

Fast Activation with Sol Ring

Sol Ring

To use The Avenger's ability, you need three mana. You can tap Sol Ring to produce two colorless mana, meaning you only need one additional mana from another source to pay the full cost. This allows you to grant deathtouch much earlier in the game than usual.

Fixing for Costs

Command Tower

While The Avenger's activation cost is generic, having reliable sources like Command Tower ensures you have the flexibility to spend your colored mana on other spells while still reserving enough total mana to activate the deathtouch ability during your opponent's turn.