Brainbite 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
Target opponent reveals their hand. You choose a card from it. That player discards that card. Draw a card.
Complete guide
Brainbite is a versatile Dimir sorcery that combines hand disruption with card advantage. By stripping a key threat from your opponent and replacing itself in your hand, it ensures you stay ahead in resources while slowing down your rival's game plan.
What It Does
Brainbite allows you to look at an opponent's hand and force them to discard any card of your choice. Unlike many discard spells that restrict you to nonland cards, Brainbite gives you total freedom to pick anything you see. Finally, it lets you draw a card, ensuring you don't lose card parity.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you choose a target opponent as you cast the spell. Upon resolution, that opponent reveals their entire hand to all players. You then point to one specific card, and the opponent puts it into their graveyard. Even if the opponent has zero cards in hand when the spell resolves, the final step always occurs: you draw one card from your library.
Common Mistakes
A frequent misconception is that you cannot cast this if the opponent is hellbent (has no cards). Official rulings confirm you can target an opponent with no cards just to trigger the 'Draw a card' effect. Additionally, remember that since you choose the card, the opponent has no say in what they lose, unlike effects that say 'target player discards a card'.
When to Play It
Because it costs four mana, Brainbite is best used to bridge the gap into the late game. It is most effective when you suspect your opponent is holding a high-impact spell or a specific answer to your board state that you need to remove before it can be cast.
Interaction examples
Toxic DelugeIf your opponent is holding Toxic Deluge to wipe your board, you can cast Brainbite during your main phase. You see their hand, choose Toxic Deluge, and they discard it. You then draw a card, leaving your creatures safe and your hand replenished.
VictimizeAgainst a player looking to resolve Victimize, you can use Brainbite to remove that sorcery from their hand before they have the chance to sacrifice a creature and recur their threats. You effectively trade one card to stop two creatures from returning, all while drawing a fresh card.
If your opponent has no cards in hand but you desperately need to find an answer in your deck, you can cast Brainbite targeting them. The discard effect does nothing, but the spell still resolves, allowing you to draw a card.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Brainbite
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
You may target an opponent who has no cards in hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
When Brainbite resolves, you’ll draw a card even if the targeted opponent has no cards in hand.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Brainbite
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.