Lure

Lure; (Targeted Lure)
Mechanic
Introduced	Alpha
Last used	Doctor Who
Text	All creatures able to block [creature] do so.; Target creature blocks [creature] this turn if able.
Statistics	39 Lure cards 2.6% 2.6% 5.1% 66.7% 2.6% 2.6% 10.3% 7.7% ; 25 Targeted lure cards 8% 12% 8% 52% 4% 8% 4% 4%
Scryfall Search
	fulloracle:"able to block"; fulloracle:"Target creature blocks"

The lure ability, informally named after the eponymous Lure card, is an ability that limits an opponent's options when blocking, such that they are compelled to block any creatures with the ability.

History[ | ]

This ability has been with Magic since Alpha. It is primary in green, but R&D has started scaling back how often it is used. It's done infrequently now, and only at higher rarities because of its impact on Limited.^[1]

Two main forms of the ability exist, forcing all creatures able to block ("lure") or a given target creature to block a creature with the ability ("targeted lure" or "lure limited"). R&D has started occasionally using the latter ability in red.^[1]

The lure ability can be used to force opponents to block smaller creatures to permit larger ones to directly attack them or to block creatures with abilities that would produce a favorable outcome for the attacking player (e.g., deathtouch, venom, rampage). There was a short time in which it acted as the Limited green interactive piece at common (e.g. Hunt Down), but it was quickly supplanted with Fight, as even with the liabilities Fight has, the Lure effect had those and many more.

On cards[ | ]

Lure[ | ]

Creatures

Enchantments

Sorceries

Instants

Artifacts

Targeted Lure[ | ]