AbradeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing the Mode

Abrade is a modal spell, meaning you must choose which effect you want as you cast it. You can either deal 3 damage to a target creature or destroy a target artifact. Once you have chosen a mode and the spell is on the stack, you cannot change your mind later unless an effect specifically allows you to change the spell's targets and mode.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Abrade by paying its mana cost and announcing your chosen mode and target. If you chose the first mode, Abrade checks if the target creature is still legal upon resolution; if it is, the spell deals 3 damage. If you chose the second mode, Abrade checks if the target artifact is still legal; if it is, that artifact is destroyed. If the target is no longer legal when Abrade tries to resolve, the spell is removed from the stack and does nothing.

Timing and Targets

Because Abrade is an instant, you can cast it during an opponent's turn or in response to other spells. A common mistake is attempting to target something that isn't a creature or an artifact, such as a Planeswalker or an Enchantment. Additionally, remember that damage dealt to a creature stays marked on it until the end of the turn, which can be useful if the creature has more than 3 toughness but has already taken damage from another source.

When to Play Abrade

The best time to play Abrade is often at the last possible moment to disrupt an opponent's game plan. Use it to destroy a critical mana-producing artifact during their upkeep, or wait for them to commit an equipment to a creature before destroying the artifact in response. Against aggressive decks, using it early to remove a high-priority creature can prevent a significant loss of life.

Interaction examples

Deflecting the Blow

Deflecting Swat

If you cast Abrade targeting an opponent's creature, they may respond with Deflecting Swat. Since Deflecting Swat allows the player to choose new targets for the spell, they can change the target of Abrade to one of your creatures. However, they cannot change the mode of Abrade; if you chose to deal 3 damage to a creature, they must choose a legal creature as the new target.

The Vanishing Target

Chaos Warp

Suppose you target an opponent's artifact with the second mode of Abrade. In response, the opponent casts Chaos Warp on their own artifact. Chaos Warp resolves first, shuffling the artifact into the library. When Abrade tries to resolve, its target is gone, so the spell fails to resolve and is put into the graveyard without performing any effect.