Three Tree BattalionHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When you cast Three Tree Battalion, you look at the top six cards of your library and choose one creature card with mana value 3 or less. You put that card directly onto the battlefield and then conjure a duplicate of that specific card into play. The duplicate is a digital copy that perpetually stays as a 1/1, regardless of what its original printed stats were.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you look at the top six cards of your library. Next, you choose a creature card with mana value 3 or less from those cards; if you can't or choose not to, the rest go to the bottom. If you chose a card, put it onto the battlefield. Then, the game conjures a duplicate of that card into the battlefield. This duplicate enters with a perpetual 1/1 base power and toughness. Finally, all remaining cards you looked at are placed on the bottom of your library in a random order.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is forgetting that 'perpetually' affects the duplicate for the rest of the game, even if it changes zones. However, this only applies to the base power and toughness; abilities like Flying or Lifelink remain fully functional. Also, remember that since both creatures enter the battlefield, any 'enters the battlefield' abilities on the chosen creature will trigger twice—once for the original and once for the duplicate.

When to Play It

Since Three Tree Battalion is an instant, it is best used at the end of your opponent's turn to set up an attack or as a surprise blocker. Because it brings two bodies for the price of one card, it is excellent for rebuilding your board state after a sweep or for generating extra value from creatures with powerful utility effects.

Interaction examples

Defensive Reinforcements

During your opponent's combat phase, you cast Three Tree Battalion and find a creature. You put it and its 1/1 duplicate onto the battlefield, providing two blockers to surprise your opponent and potentially save your life total.

Protecting Your Army

Teferi's Protection

If your opponent tries to wipe the board after you have cast Three Tree Battalion, you can cast Teferi's Protection. Both the original creature you found and the conjured 1/1 duplicate will phase out along with your other permanents, ensuring your new battalion survives until your next turn.

Dealing with Threats

Generous Gift

If the creature you put onto the battlefield with Three Tree Battalion is a threat your opponent cannot handle, they might use Generous Gift to destroy it. While the creature is destroyed and you receive a 3/3 Elephant, remember that the conjured 1/1 duplicate remains on the battlefield as a separate entity.