TranquilizeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Tranquilize targets a creature an opponent controls, taps it, and places three stun counters on it. A stun counter is a specific type of counter that prevents a permanent from untapping; instead of untapping during its controller's untap step (or via a spell or ability), one stun counter is removed.

How It Resolves

First, you choose a legal target creature controlled by an opponent. As the spell resolves, the creature becomes tapped. Then, exactly three stun counters are placed on that creature. Because the stun counters trigger their replacement effect whenever the permanent 'would become untapped,' the creature will miss its next three opportunities to untap, effectively staying out of combat for three full turn cycles.

Common Mistakes

A frequent misconception is that Tranquilize requires the target to be untapped to work. However, you can legally target a creature that is already tapped. In this case, the 'tap' part of the spell does nothing, but the three stun counters are still successfully placed on the creature. Additionally, remember that stun counters only replace an untap event; if an effect allows a player to 'put a creature onto the battlefield untapped,' stun counters do not prevent that as the creature was never in a tapped state.

When to Play It

Tranquilize is best used against high-mana finishers or creatures with powerful activated abilities that require tapping. Since it costs only two mana, it provides a massive tempo advantage, allowing you to focus your resources on other threats while the target sits idle for multiple turns.

Interaction examples

Locking Down a Threat

You cast Tranquilize targeting an opponent's untapped creature. The creature becomes tapped and receives three stun counters. On the opponent's next three untap steps, one counter is removed each time, and the creature remains tapped until all counters are gone.

Strategic Sequencing with Ponder

Ponder

If you are looking for a way to stop an aggressive deck, you can cast Ponder to look at the top three cards of your library. After finding Tranquilize and putting it on top, you draw it and cast it to freeze their largest attacker for three turns, buying you time to set up your board.

Managing Resources with Windfall

Windfall

In a scenario where your opponent has a dangerous creature and a full hand, you can cast Tranquilize to disable the creature first. Then, you can follow up with Windfall to force everyone to refresh their hands, knowing that their best creature is already dealt with and won't be untapping anytime soon regardless of what new cards they draw.