The ValeyardHow it works & interactions with other cards

Doubling the Villainy

The Valeyard features a replacement effect that modifies how villainous choices are handled. If an opponent is instructed to face a villainous choice, they must instead face it twice. Because this is a replacement effect rather than a triggered ability, it does not use the stack and happens immediately during the resolution of the spell or ability causing the choice. The opponent can select the same option twice or pick two different options if available.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When a spell or ability featuring a villainous choice resolves while The Valeyard is on the battlefield, the game identifies the player making the choice. Instead of choosing once, that player makes their first selection and the consequences occur. Then, they immediately make their second selection and those consequences occur. Similarly, during a voting process, you simply declare two votes instead of one; these can be for the same outcome or different ones, depending on the specific card's voting rules.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that 'Time Lord' is a single, two-word creature type. When using effects that ask you to name a creature type, you must name 'Time Lord' as a whole, not just 'Time' or 'Lord.' Additionally, remember that The Valeyard's ability affects each opponent individually. If a spell causes all opponents to face a villainous choice, every single one of them must face that choice twice.

When to Play The Valeyard

You should deploy The Valeyard when your deck is built around 'Council's dilemma' or 'Will of the council' cards, or any effects that specifically offer 'villainous choices.' Because he has a solid 4/4 stat line, he can also serve as a mid-game threat while you wait for your high-impact political spells to resolve.

Interaction examples

Selecting Creature Types

Roaming Throne

When Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, you must choose a creature type. Because 'Time Lord' is the only two-word creature type in Magic, you can choose 'Time Lord'. Now, Roaming Throne is a Golem Time Lord, and any triggered abilities of other Time Lords you control will trigger an additional time.

Generating Value

Solemn Simulacrum

While The Valeyard does not directly interact with Solemn Simulacrum's abilities, having both on the battlefield provides a stable board state. You can use the extra land from the Simulacrum to help pay for The Valeyard's specific blue, black, and red mana requirements, ensuring you have the resources to cast more spells that force villainous choices.