The Odd Acorn GangHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Multi-Talented Commander

The Odd Acorn Gang provides two major benefits to your board. First, it grants every Squirrel you control an activated ability to tap and give another Squirrel +2/+2 and trample. Second, it has a triggered ability that lets you draw a card whenever your Squirrels successfully deal combat damage to a player.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you want to use the activated ability, you must do so during your main phase while the stack is empty, as it is restricted to sorcery speed. You tap a Squirrel you control and target any Squirrel on the battlefield. Upon resolution, that target gets the power boost and trample. Later, during the combat damage step, if any number of Squirrels deal damage to a player, the draw ability triggers once. Note that even if five Squirrels hit the same player, you only draw one card from that specific trigger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent error is trying to use the Squirrels' tapping ability during the combat phase to surprise an opponent; however, the text specifically states this can only be activated as a sorcery. Additionally, remember that The Odd Acorn Gang is itself a Squirrel. It gains the tapping ability and can be the target of the +2/+2 bonus from itself or other Squirrels you control.

When to Play It

This card is best deployed when you have a wide board of Squirrel tokens. Since the card draw trigger happens 'whenever one or more Squirrels' deal damage, you want to ensure at least one Squirrel gets through each turn. Use the menace and trample keywords to force your opponent into difficult blocking decisions.

Interaction examples

Double the Draw with the Throne

Roaming Throne

If you name 'Squirrel' as Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, it becomes a Squirrel. When The Odd Acorn Gang or Roaming Throne deals combat damage to a player, the draw ability triggers. Because the Throne is a Squirrel you control, it causes the Gang's triggered ability to fire an additional time, letting you draw two cards instead of one.

Squirrel Buffing Logistics

Solemn Simulacrum

While Solemn Simulacrum helps you ramp into the mana needed for your commander, it is not a Squirrel. This means The Odd Acorn Gang does not give the Simulacrum the ability to tap and buff others. Furthermore, the Squirrels' activated ability can only target a 'Squirrel,' so you cannot use your Squirrels to give the Golem +2/+2 and trample.