Tooth of Chiss-GoriaHow it works & interactions with other cards

Speed and Cost Efficiency

The two primary keywords on Tooth of Chiss-Goria define its utility. Flash allows you to cast this artifact at any time you could cast an instant, making it a perfect trick during the declare blockers step. Furthermore, Affinity for artifacts reduces the cost by {1} for each artifact you currently control, potentially making this a free spell to cast if you have three or more artifacts on the battlefield.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Tooth of Chiss-Goria, first determine the total cost by subtracting the number of artifacts you control from the {3} mana cost. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, it functions as a permanent. You may tap it at any time you have priority to give a target creature +1/+0. This ability is independent of its casting, meaning you can use it to buff a creature immediately if the artifact itself doesn't have summoning sickness (which only affects creatures).

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that Affinity checks the number of artifacts as you are announcing the spell and calculating costs. If an opponent destroys one of your artifacts in response to you casting this, the cost has already been paid and the spell remains on the stack. Also, remember that the +1/+0 bonus only lasts until the end of the current turn, so timing your activation during combat is essential.

Interaction examples

Scaling the Affinity

Arcane SignetSwiftfoot Boots

If you have Arcane Signet and Swiftfoot Boots on the battlefield, you control two artifacts. When you cast Tooth of Chiss-Goria, its cost is reduced by {2}, meaning you only need to pay {1} mana to play it. If you had a third artifact, the spell would cost {0}.

The Flash Combat Trick

Arcane Signet

During your opponent's turn, they attack with a creature that has 1 toughness. You control Arcane Signet. You use Flash to cast Tooth of Chiss-Goria for {2} mana. Once it resolves, you tap it to give your blocker +1/+0, allowing your creature to trade up or survive a combat encounter that the opponent didn't expect.