Una Chin-Riley, Number OneHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Power Threshold

Una Chin-Riley, Number One features a triggered ability that checks a condition as you declare attackers. For the ability to trigger, the total power of all creatures you control must be 8 or greater at the moment you declare your attack. This calculation includes Una herself and any other creatures you control, even those that are not currently attacking. If the total power is less than 8 at the instant you declare attackers, the ability does not trigger at all.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you declare your attackers. If your total power is 8 or more, the ability triggers and you choose a target attacking creature. Next, players have a chance to respond with spells or abilities. Finally, as the ability resolves, the target creature gains +2/+0 and first strike until the end of the turn. Note that once the ability has triggered, it does not matter if your total power drops below 8 before the ability finishes resolving.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to increase your power after attackers are declared to meet the requirement. Because this is an 'intervening if' style trigger, the condition must be met at the start of the declare attackers step. Additionally, remember that the target must be an 'attacking creature.' You cannot target a creature that was not declared as an attacker or one that is not currently in combat.

When to Deploy Una

Una Chin-Riley, Number One is most effective in decks that can quickly go wide or tall. Since she costs five mana and has a base power herself, she often only needs a few companions to reach the 8-power threshold. Use her when you need to push through a stalled board, as first strike allows your creatures to deal damage and potentially destroy blockers before they can hit back.

Interaction examples

Reaching the Threshold

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Una Chin-Riley, Number One (with 4 power) and two copies of Solemn Simulacrum (each with 2 power), your total power is exactly 8. When you attack with any of these creatures, Una's ability triggers, allowing you to give one of them +2/+0 and first strike.

Doubling the Directive

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Officer' or 'Human' chosen as the creature type, and your total power is 8 or greater, Una's ability triggers an additional time. This allows you to target two different attacking creatures to receive the +2/+0 and first strike bonus, or the same creature twice to give it +4/+0 and first strike.