Verdant CommandHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Verdant Command is a 'modal' spell, meaning you must choose two of its four options upon casting. You can create two 1/1 Squirrel tokens, counter a planeswalker's loyalty ability, exile a card from a graveyard, or have a player gain 3 life. Note that you must choose two distinct modes; you cannot pick the same mode twice.

Resolving the Spell

When you cast the spell, you choose the two modes and their respective targets. The effects resolve in the order they are printed on the card. According to the official rulings, if one of your targets becomes illegal (for example, if the card in the graveyard is moved before the spell resolves), the other mode will still resolve as long as its target remains legal.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to counter a planeswalker spell with Verdant Command. This card only counters a loyalty ability (an activated ability with a plus, minus, or zero cost), not the planeswalker card itself. Additionally, remember that the Squirrel tokens enter the battlefield tapped, so they cannot be used as surprise blockers the turn they are created.

When to Play It

This card shines in the early game to establish a board presence or in response to specific graveyard-based triggers. It is particularly effective against 'Ultimate' loyalty abilities, as it can stop a game-ending planeswalker effect for just two mana while providing additional utility like life gain or tokens.

Interaction examples

Generating a Board State

Verdant Command

You cast Verdant Command choosing the first and fourth modes. You target yourself for both. As the spell resolves, you create two tapped 1/1 Squirrel tokens and then gain 3 life. This is a great way to stabilize against aggressive decks.

Disrupting Graveyards

Verdant CommandBeast Within

Your opponent tries to return a powerful creature from their graveyard. In response, you cast Verdant Command, choosing to exile that target card and create two Squirrel tokens. If your opponent later uses Beast Within to destroy one of your Squirrels, you still have the other Squirrel and have successfully denied their graveyard recursion.

Countering Planeswalker Abilities

Verdant CommandHeroic Intervention

An opponent activates a loyalty ability to destroy your permanents. You cast Verdant Command to counter that ability. Even if you also cast Heroic Intervention to protect your permanents, Verdant Command ensures the ability never even resolves, saving you from having to deal with the ability's secondary effects.