Thorn MammothHow it works & interactions with other cards

Stomping Through the Gates

Thorn Mammoth features a triggered ability that activates whenever it or any other creature you control enters the battlefield. You may choose 'up to one' target creature you don't control to fight. This means the ability is optional; you can choose zero targets if you don't want the Mammoth to take damage. If you do pick a target, Thorn Mammoth and that creature each deal damage equal to their power to the other.

Resolution and Survival

When the ability resolves, both creatures must be legal targets and present on the battlefield. If Thorn Mammoth leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, no damage is dealt at all because a creature that isn't on the battlefield cannot fight. If the target creature becomes illegal (for example, by gaining Hexproof or being sacrificed), the ability fails to resolve. Remember, since this is a fight, the Mammoth's Trample does not apply to this damage; Trample only affects combat damage.

Strategic Timing

Because this ability triggers on any creature entering under your control, you can chain multiple fights in a single turn. You should play Thorn Mammoth when you have ways to follow it up with more creatures or when your opponent has key utility creatures with lower power that need to be removed immediately. Always check the power of the target, as accumulated damage from multiple fights in one turn can eventually destroy your Mammoth.

Interaction examples

Clearing the Path

Craterhoof Behemoth

If you already control Thorn Mammoth and then cast Craterhoof Behemoth, two things happen. First, Craterhoof Behemoth's own ability triggers to buff your team. Second, Thorn Mammoth's ability triggers. You can stack these so the Mammoth gets the +X/+X bonus from Craterhoof Behemoth before it fights, allowing it to take down almost any creature your opponent controls without dying.

The Plant Stampede

Avenger of Zendikar

When Avenger of Zendikar enters while Thorn Mammoth is on the battlefield, the Avenger and all the Plant tokens it creates enter. This causes Thorn Mammoth's ability to trigger once for the Avenger and once for every single Plant token. You can choose to fight multiple different creatures your opponent controls, one by one, potentially wiping their entire board in a single turn.

The Initial Impact

When you first cast Thorn Mammoth, its own entry triggers its ability. You can immediately target a creature an opponent controls with 5 or less power to remove a threat. Since Thorn Mammoth has 6 toughness, it will survive the fight and remain ready to trigger again when your next creature arrives.