Geth's GrimoireHow it works & interactions with other cards

Harnessing the Discard

Geth's Grimoire features a triggered ability that watches your opponents. Whenever an opponent discards a card for any reason—whether they are forced to by a spell, choose to for a cost, or discard down to their maximum hand size during their cleanup step—the Grimoire triggers. This ability is optional, indicated by the word 'may,' allowing you to control your own library depth.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When an opponent discards, the ability is placed on the stack. If multiple cards are discarded at once (for example, by a spell that makes a player discard two cards), the Grimoire triggers once for each card. Each trigger resolves individually. During resolution, you decide whether to draw a card for that specific trigger. Once you have made your choice, the card is drawn, and the game moves to the next item on the stack.

Timing and Strategy

The best time to have Geth's Grimoire on the field is just before you resolve effects that force mass discard. Because the ability triggers on discard regardless of the cause, it provides excellent protection against your own symmetrical discard spells. Keep in mind that the Grimoire only tracks opponents; you will not draw cards when you discard your own cards.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Geth's Grimoire triggers per card, not per discard event. If an opponent discards their entire hand, you get a trigger for every single card that hit the graveyard or went to exile via the discard. Additionally, remember that discarding as a cost (like cycling) will still trigger the Grimoire.

Interaction examples

Maintaining Momentum

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Geth's Grimoire in play and your opponent is forced to discard, you draw a card. If you then lose your Solemn Simulacrum in combat, its death trigger allows you to draw another card, demonstrating how Geth's Grimoire helps maintain a high hand count alongside your other card-draw permanents.

Filtering Your Library

Commander's Sphere

While Geth's Grimoire provides card advantage when opponents discard, you can use Commander's Sphere to find the specific discard spells you need. If your opponent discards a card and you draw a card you cannot use, you can sacrifice Commander's Sphere at any time to dig even deeper into your deck for a more impactful answer.

The Cleanup Phase

If an opponent has eight cards in their hand at the end of their turn and their maximum hand size is seven, they must discard a card during their cleanup step. Geth's Grimoire will trigger, allowing you to draw a card during an unconventional part of the turn.