Bell Borca, Spectral Sergeant 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
Note the mana value of each card as it's put into exile. Bell Borca's power is equal to the greatest number noted for it this turn. At the beginning of your upkeep, exile the top card of your library. You may play that card this turn.
Complete guide
Bell Borca, Spectral Sergeant is a unique legendary creature from the Boros Legion that thrives on the power of the unknown. By watching cards as they enter the exile zone, this Spirit Soldier shifts its strength to match the most expensive spell seen that turn.
Tracking the Exile
Bell Borca has a static ability that constantly notes the mana value of every card moved to exile while it is on the battlefield. This isn't just limited to its own effect; any card exiled from anywhere—hands, graveyards, or libraries—counts toward this total. Its power updates immediately to match the highest mana value recorded since the current turn began. If no cards have been exiled yet this turn, or if Bell Borca is not on the battlefield, its power is 0.
Resolving the Upkeep Trigger
At the start of your upkeep, Bell Borca's triggered ability goes on the stack. When it resolves, you exile the top card of your library. This action immediately updates Bell Borca's power based on that card's mana value. You then gain permission to play that card until the end of your turn. Remember, you must still pay all costs and follow timing rules; you cannot play an exiled Sorcery on your opponent's turn, and you can only play a land if you have an available land play remaining.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A frequent error is assuming Bell Borca 'remembers' cards exiled before it entered the battlefield. It only notes mana values if it is already on the battlefield when the exile event occurs. Additionally, if you exile a card with {X} in its cost, X is treated as 0 for the purposes of determining the mana value. Finally, if you do not play the card exiled during your upkeep, it remains in exile indefinitely and cannot be played on future turns.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf an effect exiles Solemn Simulacrum while Bell Borca, Spectral Sergeant is on the battlefield, Bell Borca notes its mana value of 4. Bell Borca's power immediately becomes 4. Even if you then exile a land card (which has a mana value of 0), Bell Borca's power remains 4 because that is the greatest number noted for it this turn.
Roaming ThroneWith Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Spirit', Bell Borca's upkeep ability triggers twice. You will exile the top two cards of your library. If the first card is a land (mana value 0) and the second is Roaming Throne (mana value 4), Bell Borca notes both values. Its power becomes 4, and you may play either or both of those cards during your turn, provided you can pay their costs.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Bell Borca, Spectral Sergeant
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Bell Borca notes mana values only if it's on the battlefield as a card is put into exile.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Look at the card in exile, not its previous zone, to determine its mana value.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If a card in exile has
in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
While not on the battlefield, and before any cards are noted for it each turn, Bell Borca's power is 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
You must follow the normal timing permissions and restrictions for the card exiled by Bell Borca's last ability. If it's a land, you can't play it unless you have land plays available.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #6· Wizards of the Coast
You'll still pay all costs for a spell cast this way, including additional costs. You may also pay alternative costs if any are available.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #7· Wizards of the Coast
If you don't play the exiled card, it remains exiled.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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