The Crab QueenHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

The Crab Queen features a single, powerful triggered ability that fires off whenever she is declared as an attacker. Unlike most token producers, she doesn't create a generic creature; instead, she creates a token copy of one of six pre-defined Magic: The Gathering cards chosen at random. These include the massive Charix, the Raging Isle, the mill-focused Ruin Crab, the discard-outlet Scuttletide, the mana-reducing Heartstone, and the scaling threats Skitter Eel and Skittering Crustacean.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must declare The Crab Queen as an attacker during your Declare Attackers step. This puts her triggered ability on the stack. Before the ability resolves, players have a chance to respond with spells or abilities. When the ability resolves, you determine the result of the random choice among the six named cards. Finally, a token copy of that specific card is put onto the battlefield under your control. Note that since these tokens are created 'attacking' is not stated, they enter the battlefield untapped and not attacking unless specified otherwise.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is assuming the tokens enter the battlefield attacking along with The Crab Queen. Because the text does not say the tokens are 'tapped and attacking,' they enter the battlefield as new permanents that are standing ready to block or be used on later turns. Additionally, if you create a token copy of a legendary permanent you already control, such as Charix, the Raging Isle, the Legend Rule will apply immediately, requiring you to put one into the graveyard.

When to Play It

The Crab Queen is best utilized in decks that can protect her during combat to ensure multiple triggers. Because the tokens she creates are permanent, she provides incredible long-term value. She excels in environments where you can leverage various types of permanents, as she can provide anything from a land-synergy creature (Ruin Crab) to an artifact that reduces activated ability costs (Heartstone).

Interaction examples

Doubling the Royalty

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Crab' or 'Human' chosen, The Crab Queen's ability will trigger twice when she attacks. This results in two separate random selections and two tokens being placed onto the battlefield.

Generating Value

Solemn Simulacrum

While The Crab Queen focuses on generating specific tokens, having a card like Solemn Simulacrum provides the necessary land base to ensure you can pay for any activated abilities the random tokens might have, such as the Evolve costs for Skitter Eel or the activated ability of Scuttletide.