Leader, Super-GeniusHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Super-Genius Ability

Leader, Super-Genius features two distinct abilities that work in tandem. First, he has a replacement effect: if a creature would connive, you instead draw a card before the connive process even begins. Second, he provides a guaranteed trigger at the start of your combat phase, forcing a target creature you control to connive.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When the beginning of combat trigger resolves, or any other effect causes a creature to connive, the replacement effect kicks in. You immediately draw one card. Then, the creature proceeds to connive: you draw another card, then discard a card. If the discarded card was not a land, you place a +1/+1 counter on the creature. In total, you see two new cards and discard one.

Common Pitfalls

Note that the 'extra' card drawn by Leader, Super-Genius's replacement effect does not count as part of the connive action itself. You cannot discard the specific card you drew from the replacement effect to satisfy the 'draw, then discard' part of connive until you have technically reached that step of the resolution. Also, if Leader leaves the battlefield before a connive trigger resolves, you will not get the extra draw.

When to Deploy the Leader

Leader, Super-Genius is best played when you already have a board presence or ways to trigger connive multiple times per turn. Since his trigger happens at the beginning of combat, casting him during your first main phase ensures you get immediate value before you declare attackers.

Interaction examples

Scientific Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you name 'Scientist' or 'Villain' as Roaming Throne enters, Leader's combat trigger will fire twice. For the first resolution, Leader's replacement effect makes you draw a card, then the target creature connives. This repeats for the second trigger, resulting in a total of four cards drawn and two cards discarded in one combat phase.

The Value Engine

Solemn Simulacrum

With both on the battlefield at the start of combat, you can target Solemn Simulacrum with Leader's ability. You draw a card (from Leader), then draw and discard (from connive). If you discard a nonland card, your Simulacrum becomes a 33 creature. This helps the Simulacrum survive combat or become a more threatening attacker while you dig deeper into your deck.