Itazura, Lingering WickHow it works & interactions with other cards

Bidding for Control

At the start of your upkeep, Itazura exiles the top three cards of your library and initiates a blind auction. Each opponent must secretly write down or choose a number (zero or higher). Once all numbers are revealed, you identify the opponent who bid the highest. If there is a tie for the highest number, you choose exactly one of those tied players to be the 'winner' of the effect. That player takes damage equal to their bid, then they get the opportunity to cast one of the three exiled cards for free.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the three cards are moved to the exile zone. Second, every opponent chooses a number in secret. Third, the numbers are simultaneously revealed. Fourth, you choose one opponent who bid the highest; that player takes damage equal to their bid. Fifth, that chosen player may cast one of the three cards without paying its mana cost. Finally, you choose one of the remaining cards that wasn't cast to put into your hand. Any cards not cast or chosen for your hand remain in exile indefinitely.

Strategic Nuances

It is important to remember that the chosen opponent is not forced to cast a spell; they 'may' do so. However, they will take the damage regardless of whether they cast the spell or if the spell is legal to cast. If the exiled cards are all lands, the opponent cannot cast them, as lands are played, not cast. In that scenario, the opponent still takes damage, and you still get to put one land into your hand.

When to Play Itazura

Itazura shines in multiplayer formats like Commander where you can pit opponents against each other. It is most effective when your deck contains high-impact spells that opponents are desperate to keep away from you, or spells they might want to use themselves. Because you choose which of the remaining cards goes to your hand, you can often bait an opponent into paying life to take a secondary threat while you keep the primary one for yourself.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Stakes

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield naming Spirit, Itazura's upkeep ability triggers twice. During each resolution, you exile three new cards and opponents bid again. This can result in two different opponents taking damage and two spells being cast from your exile zone for free, while you add two cards to your hand.

Securing Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If Solemn Simulacrum is among the three exiled cards, an opponent might bid a high number to cast it and ramp their own mana. If they do, they take damage and the Golem enters under their control. You then choose one of the remaining two exiled cards to put into your hand, ensuring you don't lose all card advantage.

The Lone Spirit

With only Itazura on the field, you exile three cards. Opponent A bids 5 and Opponent B bids 2. You must choose Opponent A. Opponent A takes 5 damage and may cast one of the three cards for free. You then look at the remaining two cards and pick one to put into your hand. The third card stays in exile.