The Powerful Dragon is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Flying Mentor (Whenever this creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target attacking creature with lesser power.) Whenever one or more +1/+1 counters are put on a creature you control, exile the top card of your library. Until end of turn, you may play that card.
Complete guide
The Powerful Dragon is a formidable airborne threat that combines the aggressive Mentor mechanic with powerful card advantage. By leading your army into battle, this Dragon transforms permanent growth into immediate tactical options from the top of your library. Understanding the timing of its triggers is key to maximizing its potential on the battlefield.
Mastering the Mentor Mechanic
The Powerful Dragon features Mentor, a triggered ability that occurs during the declare attackers step. When this creature attacks, you target another attacking creature that currently has a lower power than The Powerful Dragon. If the target still has lower power when the ability resolves, it receives a +1/+1 counter. This creates a synergy with its second ability, immediately triggering the exile effect.
Exiling and Playing Cards
Whenever one or more +1/+1 counters are placed on any creature you control, the Dragon's ability triggers, exiling the top card of your library. You may play this card until the end of the current turn. 'Play' includes casting spells or playing lands, provided it is your main phase and you have not used your land play for the turn. If you do not play the card by the end of the turn, it remains in exile permanently.
Strategic Timing and Limits
A common mistake is forgetting that the Mentor target's power is checked twice: once when the ability is put on the stack and once when it attempts to resolve. If the target's power is increased above the Dragon's power in response, the Mentor ability will fizzle. Additionally, note that 'one or more' means placing three counters at once via a single effect only triggers the Dragon once, not three times.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumYou attack with both The Powerful Dragon (4/4) and Solemn Simulacrum (2/2). The Mentor ability triggers, targeting the Golem. Upon resolution, Solemn Simulacrum gets a +1/+1 counter. This placement triggers the Dragon's second ability, exiling your top card for you to play this turn.
Roaming ThroneWith Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Dragon', its replacement effect applies to The Powerful Dragon. When the Dragon attacks, Mentor triggers twice. If both resolve and place counters, the Dragon's card-exile ability triggers twice, allowing you to exile and potentially play two cards from your library.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : The Powerful Dragon
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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