Compulsive ResearchHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

For three mana, Compulsive Research targets a player—usually yourself—and forces them to draw three cards. The 'catch' is the discard requirement: the player must then discard two cards. However, if that player chooses to discard a single land card instead, the discard requirement is satisfied entirely, effectively netting a card in hand.

Resolving Step by Step

When the spell resolves, the target player first draws three cards from their library. After drawing, the player must choose how to discard. They have two options: discard one card with the 'land' type, or discard any two cards (which can be lands, non-lands, or one of each). Once the chosen cards are put into the graveyard, the spell finishes resolving.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming you can discard a land and one other card to somehow 'save' a resource; while the rules allow you to discard two lands if you wish, you only *need* to discard one land to satisfy the 'unless' clause. Additionally, remember that you cannot split the action; you must draw all three cards before deciding what to discard.

When to Play It

Compulsive Research is best played when you have an excess of land cards in hand, turning a dead draw into three fresh cards. It is also highly effective in decks that utilize the graveyard, as it allows you to precisely place specific card types into your discard pile while keeping your hand size healthy.

Interaction examples

Basic Hand Filtering

You cast Compulsive Research targeting yourself. You draw three cards, bringing your hand total to six. You see a redundant Island in your hand; you discard that single land card. You have successfully drawn three cards and only lost one, increasing your total hand size by two.

Setting Up the Library

Fabricate

You cast Fabricate to search your library for a powerful artifact, putting it into your hand. On your next turn, you cast Compulsive Research. After drawing three cards, you realize you don't have a land to discard. You choose to discard the artifact you just searched for and one other non-land card to satisfy the 'discard two' requirement, perhaps preparing for a graveyard recursion play.

Interaction with Global Discard

Windfall

You target yourself with Compulsive Research to fill your hand. After drawing three and discarding one land, you now have a large hand size. You then cast Windfall. Because Compulsive Research increased your hand size, Windfall now forces every player to discard more cards and draw even more, maximizing the disruption to your opponents.