Worf, Intelligence ContractorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Infiltration

When Worf, Intelligence Contractor enters the battlefield, his triggered ability allows you to target one creature per opponent, provided those creatures have a mana value of 3 or less. This ability is versatile because it says "up to one," meaning you can choose zero targets for a specific opponent if they control nothing you want to borrow or if you want to avoid targeting a creature with a specific ability.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, put Worf's triggered ability on the stack and choose your targets (one per opponent). Upon resolution, you gain control of those creatures until the end of the turn. Simultaneously, these creatures are untapped and gain the Warrior creature type in addition to their existing types. Finally, they gain haste, allowing you to attack or use their activated abilities involving the tap symbol immediately.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that the mana value restriction applies to the target's printed mana cost, not its power or toughness. If a creature's mana value increases while Worf's ability is on the stack, the target becomes illegal and you will not gain control of it. Also, remember that the control effect, the Warrior type, and haste all expire simultaneously during the cleanup step.

When to Deploy

Worf is most effective during your pre-combat main phase to maximize the benefit of the haste and the extra attackers. Because he untaps the targets, he is a perfect counter to opponents who have just attacked you, leaving their blockers tapped. You can also use him to steal creatures with powerful 'sacrifice' outlets or activated abilities that you want to use for yourself.

Interaction examples

Securing Resources

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, Worf can take control of it because its mana value is 4, which exceeds the limit of 3. However, if you target a creature like a mana dork or a smaller utility piece, you can attack with it. Note that if Solemn Simulacrum is somehow reduced in mana value or if you target a different creature with mana value 3 or less, you gain a temporary attacker and potential blocker.

Double Infiltration

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and have chosen 'Warrior' or 'Spy' as it entered, Worf's enter-the-battlefield ability will trigger an additional time. This allows you to target two creatures per opponent (mana value 3 or less). The first resolution gives you control and haste; the second resolution can target the same creatures (doing very little) or entirely different targets, effectively emptying your opponents' small-creature defenses.