how does orims chant work in mtg

2 min read 25-01-2025

The Orchim Chant is a powerful card in Magic: The Gathering, particularly in Commander and casual formats. Understanding its intricacies is crucial to leveraging its full potential. This article will delve into the mechanics of the Orchim Chant, explaining its functionality and providing strategies for optimal use.

Understanding the Orchim Chant's Abilities

The Orchim Chant is an enchantment that reads: "Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on it." This seemingly simple effect has significant ramifications for your game plan.

The Core Mechanic: +1/+1 Counters

The heart of the Orchim Chant lies in its ability to grant +1/+1 counters. These counters increase a creature's power and toughness by one each. This makes your creatures stronger in combat and more resilient against removal spells. The more creatures you deploy, the more powerful your army becomes, synergizing incredibly well with strategies that flood the board with creatures.

Triggering the Effect: "Whenever a Creature Enters the Battlefield"

The crucial phrase here is "whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control." This means every time you play a creature, or a creature enters the battlefield under your control through any means (e.g., token generation, returning creatures from the graveyard), the Orchim Chant triggers, placing a +1/+1 counter on that newly summoned creature. This isn't a one-time effect; it continues throughout the game, bolstering your creatures with every addition to the field.

Strategic Considerations and Synergies

The Orchim Chant shines brightest when combined with strategies that maximize the number of creatures entering the battlefield. Here are some key synergies:

Token Generation:

Cards and strategies that generate multiple tokens greatly amplify the Orchim Chant's power. Imagine playing a card that creates five tokens; each receives a +1/+1 counter, immediately strengthening your board presence.

Creature Recursion:

Strategies that bring creatures back from the graveyard (e.g., using [[Rise of the Dark Realms]] or [[Collected Company]]) also work well with Orchim Chant. Each time a creature returns, it gains a +1/+1 counter, creating a snowball effect.

Tribal Strategies:

Focusing on a single creature type (like Elves, Goblins, or Zombies) allows you to leverage tribal synergies along with the Orchim Chant. Many tribal strategies focus on overwhelming the opponent with sheer numbers, a perfect match for the enchantment.

Potential Drawbacks and Counterstrategies

While powerful, the Orchim Chant isn't without its weaknesses:

Board Wipes:

Cards that destroy all creatures on the battlefield, often referred to as “board wipes,” can negate the benefits of the Chant in a single stroke. Your investment in summoning creatures is instantly erased. Be mindful of the opponent's deck composition and potential for board wipes.

Creature Removal:

Individual creature removal spells (like targeted removal that destroys one creature) can hinder your strategy. However, even if a creature is removed, it still received the benefit of the +1/+1 counter when initially entering the battlefield.

Conclusion: Mastering the Orchim Chant

The Orchim Chant is a potent tool in the right deck. By understanding its mechanics and synergistic potential, you can effectively leverage its power to overwhelm opponents. Remembering its vulnerabilities to board wipes and single-target creature removal is crucial for developing effective strategies and ensuring its effectiveness on the battlefield. Experiment with different creature-heavy strategies to optimize its potential in your gameplay.