Tolarian Entrancer 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
Whenever this creature becomes blocked by a creature, gain control of that creature at end of combat.
Complete guide
Tolarian Entrancer is a fascinating blue creature that turns your opponent's defense into your greatest asset. By leveraging its unique combat trigger, you can permanently sway the loyalty of any creature foolish enough to stand in its way.
Understanding the Recruitment
The ability of Tolarian Entrancer triggers the moment it is declared 'blocked' by one or more creatures. Unlike many other control effects in Magic: The Gathering, this effect does not have an expiration date. Once you gain control of a creature this way, you keep it for the rest of the game unless another effect changes its control again.
The End of Combat Trigger
When Tolarian Entrancer is blocked, the game creates a delayed trigger that waits for the 'End of Combat' step. It is important to note that this trigger will still happen even if Tolarian Entrancer is destroyed or leaves the battlefield during the combat damage step. As long as the block was legal and the ability triggered, the recruitment is locked in.
Common Misconceptions
Players often worry that losing the Entrancer means losing the stolen creatures, but the Oracle rulings confirm the control change is permanent and independent of the Entrancer's presence. Additionally, because the control change happens at the end of combat, you cannot use the stolen creature to deal combat damage during the same combat phase in which it was stolen.
Tactical Deployment
To make the most of this Wizard, you want to force your opponent into awkward blocking situations. If they block to save their life total, they lose their creature. If they don't block, they take damage. It is a win-win scenario for the blue mage.
Interaction examples
Ornithopter of ParadiseYou attack with Tolarian Entrancer. Your opponent, fearing for their life total, blocks with Ornithopter of Paradise. The Entrancer's ability triggers. During the end of combat step, even if the Entrancer was destroyed by damage, you gain control of the Ornithopter of Paradise. You can now use it to produce mana on your next turn.
Foundry InspectorIf your opponent blocks Tolarian Entrancer with Foundry Inspector, the delayed trigger will resolve at the end of the combat phase. You gain control of the Foundry Inspector permanently. From that point forward, all artifact spells you cast will cost {1} less, effectively stealing your opponent's board advantage and their utility.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Tolarian Entrancer
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
The control change has no duration; you’ll retain control of that creature until the game ends or until some other effect causes it to change control. It doesn’t matter if Tolarian Entrancer leaves the battlefield, or if Tolarian Entrancer has already left the battlefield by the time the “at end of combat” ability triggers.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Tolarian Entrancer
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.