Zo-Zu the PunisherHow it works & interactions with other cards

Taxing the Ground

Zo-Zu the Punisher features a simple but devastating triggered ability: 'Whenever a land enters, Zo-Zu deals 2 damage to that land's controller.' This ability triggers regardless of how the land entered the battlefield. Whether a player plays a land as their turn action or a spell puts a land onto the battlefield, Zo-Zu sees it and prepares to strike.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, a land enters the battlefield under a player's control. Second, Zo-Zu's ability triggers and is placed on the stack. Third, players have a chance to respond with spells or abilities. Finally, the ability resolves, and Zo-Zu deals 2 damage to the player who just gained a land. Note that the damage comes from Zo-Zu itself, so effects that modify damage from a source will apply here.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that Zo-Zu only triggers when a player 'plays' a land. In reality, it triggers whenever a land 'enters,' meaning search effects and fetch lands are twice as painful. Also, remember that Zo-Zu's ability is not optional; it will damage you too if you play a land while he is on your side of the field.

When to Unleash the Punisher

Zo-Zu is most effective in aggressive red decks that want to punish slower, land-heavy strategies. By deploying him early, you can significantly lower an opponent's life total simply by letting them play the game. He is especially potent against 'Landfall' decks that seek to put multiple lands into play in a single turn.

Interaction examples

The Price of Progress

Solemn Simulacrum

When you cast Solemn Simulacrum while Zo-Zu the Punisher is on the battlefield, the Golem's triggered ability allows you to search for a basic land. When that land enters the battlefield tapped, Zo-Zu's ability triggers immediately. You will take 2 damage for the land that Solemn Simulacrum provided.

Doubling the Pain

Roaming Throne

If you control Zo-Zu the Punisher and Roaming Throne with 'Goblin' chosen as the creature type, Zo-Zu's ability will trigger an additional time whenever a land enters. If an opponent plays a single land, Zo-Zu will deal 2 damage, followed by another 2 damage, for a total of 4 damage from a single land drop.

Self-Inflicted Wounds

If you have 2 life remaining and you play a Mountain while Zo-Zu the Punisher is under your control, his ability will trigger and target you. Unless you can prevent the damage or remove Zo-Zu from the battlefield before the ability resolves, he will deal 2 damage to you, potentially causing you to lose the game.