Ashnod's Cylix is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
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: Target player looks at the top three cards of their library, puts one of them back on top of their library, then exiles the rest.
Complete guide
Ashnod's Cylix is a classic artifact that offers precise control over the top of a player's library. Whether you are filtering your own next draw or disrupting an opponent's carefully planned strategy, this relic from the past remains a curious tool for deck manipulation.
What It Does
For a three-mana activation and a tap, Ashnod's Cylix allows a targeted player to look at the top three cards of their library. They must choose one card to remain on top and exile the other two. It functions as both a slow search for your own deck and a way to permanently remove potential threats from an opponent's deck.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you pay the three mana and tap the artifact to put the ability on the stack, choosing a target player. Upon resolution, that player looks at the top three cards of their library. They select one card to place back on top of the library. Finally, the remaining cards that were looked at are moved to the exile zone. If the player has fewer than three cards in their library, they look at all available cards, keep one on top, and exile any others.
Common Mistakes
A common misconception is that the player using the Cylix chooses which card stays; however, the targeted player is always the one who makes the choice. Additionally, remember that the cards are exiled, not put into the graveyard, so they cannot be easily recovered by standard recursion spells.
When to Play It
This card is best utilized in slower formats or alongside heavy mana acceleration. It is particularly effective when you want to force an opponent to exile two-thirds of their upcoming options, effectively 'milling' them while removing their best possible draws from the game.
Interaction examples
Sol RingYou can use the two colorless mana produced by Sol Ring to pay for the majority of the activation cost of Ashnod's Cylix. This synergy allows you to begin manipulating libraries as early as turn two, putting significant pressure on your opponent's resources.
Arcane SignetIf you are missing a specific color of mana, you can use Arcane Signet to help pay for the Cylix's activation. You then target yourself with the ability, look at your top three cards, and ensure the land or spell you need stays on top while exiling cards you don't need for the current board state.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Ashnod's Cylix
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the player has less than 3 cards in their library, look at as many as they have, put one back, and exile the others.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Ashnod's Cylix
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.