Mana SeveranceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Streamlining Your Strategy

When you cast Mana Severance, you search your library for any number of land cards and exile them. Because the text says "any number," you can choose to remove all lands to guarantee non-land draws, or just a few to tweak your mana ratio for the late game.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the spell resolves and you look through your library. Second, you select the specific land cards you wish to remove and move them into the exile zone. Finally, you must shuffle your library, even if you chose to exile zero cards, as the shuffle instruction is mandatory.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that the cards are exiled, not put into the graveyard; this means they cannot be recovered by standard land-retrieval effects. Additionally, remember that you cannot look at the top of your library while searching unless another effect specifically allows it.

When to Cast It

This spell is most effective during the mid-to-late game once you have enough mana on the battlefield to sustain your plays. It effectively eliminates 'dead draws' during the closing turns of a match.

Interaction examples

Precision Drawing with Ponder

Ponder

If you use Mana Severance to exile all lands from your deck, a subsequent Ponder becomes incredibly powerful. You will see three non-land spells, allowing you to arrange your next three turns perfectly without the risk of drawing a land.

Maximizing Quality with Windfall

Windfall

After exiling your lands with Mana Severance, casting Windfall ensures your new hand is composed entirely of spells. While your opponents might draw a mix of lands and spells, your hand will be high-impact, providing a significant tactical advantage.