Zopandrel, Hunger DominusHow it works & interactions with other cards

Doubling Your Might

Zopandrel's primary ability triggers at the beginning of each combat, including your opponents' turns. When this ability resolves, it checks the current power and toughness of each creature you control and gives them a bonus equal to those values. For example, a 4/4 creature gets +4/+4 to become an 8/8. This effect lasts until the end of the turn and stacks with any existing counters or equipment bonuses already on the board.

Resolving the Trigger Step by Step

First, the 'beginning of combat' step starts, and Zopandrel's ability is put on the stack. Second, players may respond with spells or abilities. Third, as the ability resolves, it calculates the necessary bonus for each creature based on its power and toughness at that exact moment. If a creature has negative power, doubling it results in a further reduction; for instance, a -2/2 creature would get -2/+2, resulting in a -4/4 creature.

Achieving Indestructibility

Zopandrel can protect itself by gaining an indestructible counter. To activate this, you must pay two Phyrexian Green mana (which can be paid with four life, two green mana, or a mix) and sacrifice two other creatures. Note that you cannot sacrifice Zopandrel to its own ability as the cost specifies 'other' creatures. Once the counter is placed, it remains on Zopandrel permanently, even across different turns.

Strategic Timing

Because Zopandrel triggers at the beginning of every combat, it provides a significant defensive advantage. Your creatures will be doubled during your opponents' turns as well, making it incredibly difficult for them to attack into your board. If you plan to play creatures with Haste or enter-the-battlefield buffs, ensure they are on the battlefield before the combat phase begins so they benefit from the doubling effect.

Interaction examples

The Overwhelming Hoof

Craterhoof Behemoth

If you control five creatures and cast Craterhoof Behemoth, your creatures get +5/+5 and trample. When you move to combat, Zopandrel's trigger will check their new, boosted stats. A creature that was originally 2/2 is now 7/7 thanks to the Behemoth; Zopandrel will then give it an additional +7/+7, resulting in a massive 14/14 trampling attacker.

Cultivating a Forest of Giants

Avenger of Zendikar

With Avenger of Zendikar and several Plant tokens on the field, Zopandrel becomes a finisher. If your Plants have grown to 3/4 due to Landfall triggers, Zopandrel's combat trigger will give each Plant +3/+4, turning your wall of tokens into a swarm of 6/8 attackers every single turn.