Vraska's FinisherHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it does

Vraska's Finisher features a triggered ability that triggers specifically when it enters the battlefield. This ability targets a single creature or planeswalker controlled by an opponent, but with a strict condition: that permanent must have been dealt damage earlier in the current turn. This includes combat damage, noncombat damage from spells, or damage from abilities.

How it resolves step by step

First, the Gorgon Assassin enters the battlefield, putting its triggered ability on the stack. Next, you must choose a legal target; this must be an opponent's creature or planeswalker that has already marked damage this turn. If no such permanent exists, the ability is simply removed from the stack with no effect. Finally, when the ability resolves, the targeted permanent is destroyed and moved to its owner's graveyard.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that this card can destroy a permanent that lost life without taking damage, such as through 'lose life' effects. According to the comprehensive rules, loss of life is not damage. Additionally, the damage must have happened before the ability resolves. If the target somehow heals or the damage is prevented before the ability is put on the stack, it will not be a legal target.

When to play it

The best time to cast Vraska's Finisher is during your second main phase after combat. If your opponent's creature survived a block with some damage marked, the Finisher provides a cost-effective way to remove a large threat while also putting a 3/2 body onto your side of the board.

Interaction examples

Finishing the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

Suppose your opponent blocks your 1/1 creature with their Solemn Simulacrum. The Simulacrum takes 1 damage but survives. During your second main phase, you cast Vraska's Finisher. Because Solemn Simulacrum was dealt damage this turn, it is a legal target for the Gorgon's ability and is destroyed.

Double the Assassination

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Gorgon' chosen as the creature type, Vraska's Finisher will trigger twice when it enters. You can target two different creatures or planeswalkers that were dealt damage this turn, or target the same one twice to ensure it dies even if the opponent has a regeneration effect.