Kaalia +

[Noblellama]

Am I correct that attacking with {Kaalia of the Vast} and cheating in {Master of Cruelties} gets around the masters attack alone hitch?

[MarduArrow]

Yes, but it also negates his ability that sets your opponents life to 1

[Spikepit]

Yes, but it also negates his ability that sets your opponents life to 1

Hang on, why so?!

[particle]

Yes, but it also negates his ability that sets your opponents life to 1

this is not correct. because {master of cruelties} triggers after blocks are declared, cheating him out with kaalia will not have an effect on his ability. and since his ability is after declare blockers step, kaalia will still get to do damage after life total has been set to one and will most likely kill the player assuming he has no blockers for kaalia or master.
http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/magic-fundamentals/the-rumor-mill/new-card-discussion/rumored-card-rulings/238791-master-of-cruelties-kaalia-of-the-vast

[MarduArrow]

Hmm, last time I saw this it didn't work, I guess that changed

[Nymuera]

The second ruling on him states that the ability will go off in this situation.

[Gorzo]

An ability that triggers when something "attacks and isn't blocked" triggers in the declare blockers step after blockers are declared if (1) that creature is attacking and (2) no creatures are declared to block it. It will trigger even if that creature was put onto the battlefield attacking rather than having been declared as an attacker in the declare attackers step.

From gatherer directly. Yes, it works.

[xStrayKnightx]

It's a really cheap way to win, and a lot of people hate Kaalia for this exact combo. Myself, I don't run it, cause I hate insta-kill combos.

[Swamplord99]

I agree. Sometimes when it gets to the point where you just win and its no fun it's no fun