Tolarian KrakenHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Trigger

Tolarian Kraken features a 'reflexive triggered ability.' When you draw a card, the first part of the ability goes on the stack. You decide whether to pay {1} as that ability resolves. If you choose to pay, a second ability triggers immediately, allowing you to choose a target creature to tap or untap. Note that you can only pay {1} once per card drawn; you cannot pay multiple times to affect multiple creatures.

Drawing vs. Adding to Hand

This ability only triggers when you specifically 'draw' a card. If an effect tells you to 'put a card into your hand' or 'reveal the top card and put it into your hand' without using the word 'draw,' the Kraken will not trigger. Conversely, if you use an effect to draw multiple cards at once, the Kraken triggers separately for each individual card drawn, allowing you to pay {1} for each one.

Strategic Timing

Because this ability triggers on any draw, it is highly effective during an opponent's turn if you have instant-speed draw effects. You can use it to tap down an opponent's largest attacker after they move to combat but before attackers are declared, or untap your own blocker to surprise them. It can also be used to untap your own creatures that have powerful tap abilities.

Interaction examples

Draining Life While Tapping Blockers

Psychosis Crawler

With both creatures on the battlefield, draw a card during your draw step. Two abilities trigger simultaneously. Psychosis Crawler causes each opponent to lose 1 life. Then, Tolarian Kraken's ability resolves; you pay {1} to tap an opponent's creature. Since Psychosis Crawler grows stronger with every card in your hand, you can use the Kraken to clear a path for the Crawler to attack for massive damage.

Kraken Synergy and Control

Hullbreaker Horror

If you have Hullbreaker Horror and Tolarian Kraken on the field, casting a draw spell provides immense control. When you cast a spell like 'Opt', Hullbreaker Horror triggers to bounce a nonland permanent. After the spell resolves and you draw the card, Tolarian Kraken triggers. You pay {1} to untap your Hullbreaker Horror if it was tapped from attacking, or tap down a remaining threat your opponent controls.