Adversary by AlgorithmHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

At its core, Adversary by Algorithm is a sorcery that creates a 3/3 colorless Illusion artifact creature token. However, its true strength lies in its 'Beam me up' ability, which functions as a specialized alternative casting cost from the graveyard. This keyword requires you to pay an increased mana cost and return a creature you control to its owner's hand as part of the casting process.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you cast this spell for its standard cost, it goes on the stack, and upon resolution, you place a 3/3 Illusion token onto the battlefield. If casting via Beam me up, you move the card from your graveyard to the stack, pay the mana cost, and return a creature to your hand. Upon resolution, you create the token and then exile Adversary by Algorithm instead of returning it to the graveyard.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is forgetting that returning a creature is an additional cost to cast the spell via Beam me up. If the spell is countered, the creature you returned remains in your hand and is not put back onto the battlefield. Additionally, remember that the spell is exiled only if it was cast using the Beam me up ability; a standard cast sends it to the graveyard as normal.

When to Play It

This card is ideal for midrange decks that need to maintain a board presence or for decks that utilize 'enters the battlefield' triggers. By using Beam me up, you can protect a valuable creature from removal or reuse a powerful effect while simultaneously generating a new 3/3 blocker or attacker.

Interaction examples

Basic Token Generation

Illusion

You spend {2}{G} to cast Adversary by Algorithm from your hand. When it resolves, you put a 3/3 Illusion artifact creature token onto the battlefield. The sorcery card is then placed in your graveyard.

Reusing the Spell with Beam Me Up

Illusion

With Adversary by Algorithm in your graveyard, you pay {3}{G} and return a creature you control to your hand. This puts the spell back on the stack. When it resolves, you get a second 3/3 Illusion token, and the sorcery is moved to the exile zone.

Mana Acceleration Interaction

CultivateFarseek

Early in the game, you use Farseek and Cultivate to pull lands from your library to the battlefield. This extra mana allows you to cast Adversary by Algorithm for its standard cost early, and later have enough mana to use the Beam me up cost even while casting other spells in the same turn.