Tree MonkeyHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Reach

The core of Tree Monkey is the Reach keyword. Reach is a static ability that modifies the rules for blocking. Under normal circumstances, creatures without Flying cannot block creatures with Flying. However, Reach specifically allows Tree Monkey to be declared as a legal blocker against any creature with the Flying keyword, even though Tree Monkey remains a ground-based creature.

Resolution Step by Step

When your opponent enters their Declare Attackers step and chooses to attack with a flyer, you move to the Declare Blockers step. You may choose Tree Monkey to block that flyer. Once the block is legal, combat damage is assigned simultaneously. Tree Monkey deals its 1 power to the attacker, and the attacker deals its power to the Monkey. Even if the attacker has Flying, the block remains valid until combat ends.

Common Misconceptions

A common mistake is assuming that Reach functions like Flying in other ways. Tree Monkey cannot block creatures with 'Horsemanship' unless specified, and it cannot be blocked by 'non-flyers' simply because it has Reach. Reach only benefits the creature while it is defending. Furthermore, having Reach does not grant the creature the Flying type for cards that specifically target or affect flyers.

When to Play Tree Monkey

Tree Monkey is most effective in decks that need to survive the early turns against aggressive 'aggro' strategies. Because it only costs one Green mana, it can be deployed on turn one to provide immediate protection against small flyers. It is an excellent budget inclusion for mono-green decks that lack the ability to interact with the air through spells.

Interaction examples

Grounding the Skies

Birds of Paradise

If your opponent attacks with Birds of Paradise, you can use Tree Monkey to block it. Since Tree Monkey has Reach, it ignores the evasion restriction of Flying. Tree Monkey will deal 1 damage to Birds of Paradise, and Birds of Paradise will deal 0 damage to Tree Monkey, resulting in the Bird being destroyed while the Monkey survives.

The One-Drop Duel

Llanowar Elves

When facing a Llanowar Elves on the ground, Tree Monkey acts as a standard 1/1 creature. If the Elves attack, Tree Monkey can block them normally. Reach does not provide any special bonus or penalty against non-flying creatures; in this scenario, both creatures would deal 1 damage to each other and both would be destroyed.