FlayHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Flay Does

Flay is a targeted discard spell that operates in two distinct stages during its resolution. First, it forces a target player to discard a card at random. Immediately following this, the player is given a choice: they must either pay {1} or discard a second card, also chosen at random. Because the discard is random, the player cannot choose which card they lose, making it much more disruptive than standard discard spells.

Resolving the Spell Step by Step

When you cast Flay, you choose a target player. Upon resolution, the following occurs: 1. The target player identifies their current hand and one card is selected at random to be put into the graveyard. 2. A check occurs where the player is asked if they wish to pay {1}. 3. If the player pays {1}, the spell finishes resolving. 4. If the player cannot or chooses not to pay {1}, a second card is selected at random from their remaining hand and put into the graveyard.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to pay the {1} before the first card is discarded; however, the official ruling states the option to pay occurs only as the spell resolves, specifically after the first discard has already happened. Additionally, players often forget that if the target player has no cards in hand after the first discard, they don't need to pay the {1} to 'prevent' a second discard, as there are no cards left to be affected.

When to Play Flay

The best time to cast Flay is when your opponent is low on mana or has just spent their resources on a large creature or spell. If they are tapped out, they will be unable to pay the {1} tax, ensuring you get a two-for-one card advantage. It is also highly effective in the early to mid-game to disrupt their curve before they can stabilize their board state.

Interaction examples

Emptying the Hand

Flayed One

If your opponent has two cards in hand, one being a Flayed One, and no available mana, you cast Flay. They discard one card at random. Since they have no mana to pay {1}, they must discard their second card, which would be the Flayed One, effectively clearing their hand.

Punishing Life Totals

Toxic Deluge

Your opponent holds Toxic Deluge and one land, with one mana untapped. You cast Flay. They discard the land at random. Now, they must choose to pay their last mana to keep Toxic Deluge or lose it to the second discard. If they pay, they are left with only the Deluge but no mana to cast it, stalling their board clear.

Disrupting Graveyard Setups

Victimize

An opponent plans to use Victimize next turn. You cast Flay. The first random discard hits a creature they needed in their hand to sacrifice. They then choose to pay {1} to protect the Victimize itself. While they kept the sorcery, the random loss of their sacrifice fodder has rendered their strategy significantly harder to execute.