There has always been some confusion among players with how triggered abilities work. Sometimes the ability is so clearly written it just makes sense. Sometimes however, cards like Raving Dead use language that creates a slight amount of ambiguity as to when an effect takes place. Today we will discuss Raving Dead specifically, and hopefully leave you with a better understanding of the card and how triggered abilities work.

First thing we should always remember when handling triggered abilities is that the trigger event (always written with a “whenever,” “when,” or “at” before it) has to have happened in order for the ability to be placed on the stack. In Raving Dead’s case, it had to deal combat damage to the opponent. This should simplify the situation. Let’s have an example: Eric attacks Natalie, who is at 40 life, with Raving Dead. Natalie does not block and takes 2 damage. BOOM, trigger event has occurred. Since the damage happened, Natalie is now at 38 life. Next the ability is put on the top of the stack and then resolves. Uh-Oh, looks like Natalie is a 19 life. That’s quite a bit of damage for 2/6 to deal in a single combat phase!
Knowing is half the battle (and in this case, half the life total)!

Today’s Rules Tip was written by Daniel Clarke