Fully Grown: A Game-Changing Enchantment Counter Spell

Fully Grown is a powerful instant spell that allows players to make any creature bigger and more aggressive, while also giving it trample. This card is particularly effective in combo-heavy strategies that rely on large creatures and board control.

Understanding the Card Mechanics

Fully Grown functions as an enchantment counter spell, granting the target creature a +3/+3 boost until the end of turn. Additionally, it places a trample counter on the creature, allowing it to deal excess damage whenever it would normally be blocked by a defending creature. This can be a game-changer in situations where you need to close out a fight quickly.

One important interaction to note is that Fully Grown only affects creatures with a power and toughness value of 2 or less. If the target creature has a higher power and toughness, it will not benefit from the +3/+3 boost. However, even if the target creature doesn't have this restriction, it's still possible to use Fully Grown in conjunction with other spells to make larger creatures more manageable.

Strategic Uses and Combos

Fully Grown is most effective when used in combination with other spells that can generate card advantage or control the board. For example, you could use it to make a large creature bigger and then follow up with a spell like Day of Judgment to exile any creatures that might try to attack your new behemoth.

Another strategy involves using Fully Grown in conjunction with a creature that benefits from trample, such as Rampage Lizard. By making the Rampage Lizard larger and granting it trample, you can ensure that it will deal excess damage to opponents whenever possible.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Fully Grown is typically played in decks that rely on large creatures and board control. Some common archetype types that incorporate Fully Grown include:

• Combo-heavy strategies: Use the card to make massive creatures more manageable, creating a snowball effect that can quickly overwhelm opponents.
• Control decks: Focus on generating card advantage and disrupting opponents' plans, using Fully Grown to turn the tables in your favor.
• Aggro decks: Use the card to deal excess damage quickly, taking advantage of Fully Grown's ability to make creatures more aggressive.

In general, Fully Grown is a versatile card that can be used in a variety of deck types. However, it's worth noting that the card's power level is relatively high, so it may not be suitable for all types of decks.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Fully Grown has been printed in several recent sets, including Zendikar Rising and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. In terms of competitive viability, Fully Grown is considered a strong card that can provide an advantage in many match-ups. However, its power level can vary depending on the specific matchup and opponents.

In formats like Modern and Pioneer, Fully Grown can be a powerful addition to control decks or combo-heavy strategies. However, in formats like Standard and Pauper, it may not be as effective due to the presence of more affordable alternatives that can provide similar effects.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One important interaction to note is that Fully Grown only resolves once per turn. If you want to make multiple creatures bigger with trample, you'll need to use the spell repeatedly. Additionally, if you're using a spell like Exsanguinate to deal damage to opponents, be aware that Fully Grown's trample counter may not apply to these spells.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

The artwork for Fully Grown depicts a regal-looking cat with glowing red eyes, symbolizing its powerful and majestic presence on the battlefield. The flavor text reads: "A true monarch of the savannah." This reflects the card's ability to make creatures larger and more dominant, much like a mighty king ruling over his domain.

Fully Grown has been part of the Magic: The Gathering set since 2019, when it was first printed in Ravnica Allegiance. Since then, the card has become a fan favorite among players due to its versatility and power level.

Synergies with Other Cards

Fully Grown can be used in conjunction with other cards that create large creatures or control the board. Some examples include:

• Rampage Lizard: Use Fully Grown to make Rampage Lizard larger and grant it trample, creating a formidable force on the battlefield.
• Ajani's Pridemate: Combine Fully Grown with Ajani's Pridemate to create an unbeatable combination of size and aggression.
• Keldon Marauders: Use Fully Grown to make Keldon Marauders larger and more aggressive, taking advantage of their ability to deal excess damage.

Synergies with Other Deck Archetypes

Fully Grown can be used in conjunction with other deck archetypes that rely on large creatures or board control. Some examples include:

• Mono-Red Aggro: Use Fully Grown to make creatures larger and more aggressive, taking advantage of the red's ability to deal excess damage.
• Control decks: Combine Fully Grown with cards like Day of Judgment to create a powerful combination that can disrupt opponents' plans and take control of the board.
• Combo-heavy strategies: Use Fully Grown in conjunction with cards like Vraska's Contempt to create a massive, game-changing combination.

Conclusion

Fully Grown is a powerful instant spell that allows players to make any creature bigger and more aggressive, while also giving it trample. Its versatility and power level make it a valuable addition to many deck types, from combo-heavy strategies to control decks and aggro decks. However, its high power level means it may not be suitable for all types of decks, making careful consideration when deciding whether to include it in your build.

Recommended Play

Fully Grown is best played in situations where you need to make a creature larger and more aggressive quickly, such as in combo-heavy strategies or control decks. However, its ability to create large creatures with trample makes it a valuable addition to many deck types.

When playing Fully Grown, be aware of the following:

• Only use the spell on creatures with a power and toughness value of 2 or less.
• Keep an eye on your opponents' creatures, as you may need to adjust your strategy mid-game.
• Consider using Fully Grown in conjunction with other spells that can generate card advantage or control the board.

By mastering the art of playing Fully Grown, you can take your deck-building skills to the next level and become a formidable opponent on the Magic: The Gathering battlefield.