Asmodeus the ArchfiendHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Binding Contract

As long as Asmodeus the Archfiend is on the battlefield, the 'Binding Contract' ability is active. This is a replacement effect that changes every instance of 'draw a card' into 'exile the top card of your library face down.' Because you are no longer technically drawing cards, you are immune to losing the game via an empty library, but you also cannot access those cards through normal means until you pay the price.

The Step-by-Step Resolution

To get your cards, you must first use the three black mana ability to 'draw' seven cards, which actually exiles seven cards face down due to the replacement effect. Next, you activate the single black mana ability. As this resolves, every card currently exiled by this specific Asmodeus object is moved to your hand, and you lose one life for each card returned this way. Remember, if Asmodeus leaves the battlefield, those face-down cards are stuck in exile forever.

Common Mistakes and Rulings

A common error is trying to look at the exiled cards before paying the life. Official rulings state that since no player is given permission to look at them, they remain a mystery until they hit your hand. Additionally, if Asmodeus is destroyed and you cast a new one, that new Asmodeus is a 'different object' and cannot retrieve cards exiled by the first one.

When to Play Asmodeus

Asmodeus is best played when you have a surplus of black mana and a healthy life total. It excels in decks that can protect it or benefit from high devotion to black, as its mana cost is heavy. Use it to refill your hand instantly, but be wary of instant-speed removal that could leave your library's best cards stranded in exile.

Interaction examples

Fueling Devotion

Gray Merchant of Asphodel

With Asmodeus on the board, your devotion to black increases by three. When you play Gray Merchant of Asphodel, those three black mana symbols help ensure the life drain is significant enough to offset the life you will eventually lose to Asmodeus's contract.

Exile vs. Graveyard Interactions

Syr Konrad, the Grim

If you have Syr Konrad, the Grim on the battlefield, be aware that Asmodeus's replacement effect bypasses the graveyard entirely. When you would 'draw' a creature card, Asmodeus exiles it instead; because the card never enters the graveyard, Syr Konrad's ability will not trigger from the draw replacement.

Massive Hand Refill

You activate Asmodeus's first ability for three black mana. Instead of drawing, you exile seven cards face down. You then spend one black mana to activate the second ability. All seven cards move to your hand at once, and you lose 7 life. You now have a massive hand advantage ready for your next play.