Wei AssassinsHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Wei Assassins Does

Wei Assassins is a 3/2 Human Soldier Assassin with a triggered ability that occurs as soon as it enters the battlefield. Unlike traditional removal spells like Murder, you do not choose which creature is destroyed. Instead, you target an opponent, and that specific opponent must choose one of their own creatures to be destroyed. Because the destruction effect targets the player and not the creature, this can effectively deal with creatures that have Ward or Protection from Black.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Wei Assassins and it resolves, entering the battlefield. This puts its triggered ability on the stack. Second, you must choose a target opponent for the ability. Third, when the ability resolves, that opponent must select one creature they control. Finally, that chosen creature is destroyed and placed in its owner's graveyard. If the opponent has no creatures, the ability simply resolves with no effect.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is thinking the Wei Assassins player chooses the creature to be destroyed; the rules state the 'target opponent chooses.' Additionally, if the targeted opponent gains Hexproof after the ability is put on the stack, the ability will fizzle (be removed from the stack) and no creature will be destroyed. Note that the destruction happens upon resolution, so players can respond to the trigger before a choice is made.

When to Play It

This card is most effective when your opponent only has one or two high-value creatures on the board. Since they choose what to destroy, it is less effective against 'token swarm' decks where they can easily throw away a 1/1 soldier. Use it when you have ways to double up on 'enters' triggers to wipe their board clean.

Interaction examples

Double the Assassination

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Assassin' chosen as the type, Wei Assassins entering will trigger twice. The target opponent will have to choose a creature to destroy for the first trigger, and then choose another creature to destroy for the second trigger.

Capitalizing on Death

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum and you play Wei Assassins targeting them, they may choose to destroy the Golem. The Golem's 'dies' trigger will then go on the stack, allowing them to draw a card, though they still lose their creature to your Assassin's entry.