provoke and menace
Asked by proterran98 6 years ago
I have Hunter Sliver in play and Goblin War Drums. My opponent has 1 Squire and no more creatures, can I provoke squire into blocking my hunter sliver.
Same scenario, but now my opponent has 2 squires. Can I provoke one and out of requirement he has to double block my hunter sliver with both his squires?
For the first scenario, no you cannot. The reminder text for Provoke says that the creature blocks if able, and Goblin War Drums makes it so that your creatures can't be blocked except by two or more creatures. Since your opponent only has one creature, all you'll really do is untap it.
For the second scenario, I don't believe so though I may be wrong. Your opponent still gets to choose what other creatures they block with, and if they choose just the Provoked Squire then it won't be able to block and nothing will happen.
April 27, 2017 4:06 a.m.
If your opponent controls two creatures, one of which is provoked, both creatures must block a creature with menace. The reason is rule 509.1c, which because it can be confusing, it provides an example very similar to your situation:
Example: A player controls one creature that "blocks if able" and another creature with no abilities. If a creature with menace attacks that player, the player must block with both creatures. Having only the first creature block violates the restriction created by menace (the attacking creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures). Having only the second creature block violates both the menace restriction and the first creature's blocking requirement. Having neither creature block fulfills the restriction but not the requirement.
April 27, 2017 10:25 a.m.
proterran98 says... #4
I have two conflicting answers for scenario 2. Can I get another ruling.
chosenone124 says... #1
Scenario 1:
Provoke says "block it if able". 1 Squire is unable to block a creature with menace. Same situation if you had Galerider Sliver and Shifting Sliver.
Scenario 2:
If they have two blockers, and only one is provoked, it still cannot block a creature with menace. So it still does not block.
However, if they choose to block your Hunting Sliver with 2 unprovoked Squires, the provoked Squire will be able to block and must block as well.
April 27, 2017 4:03 a.m.