Manhole Cover is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When this artifact enters, target creature gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.), Sacrifice this artifact: Target player draws a card.
Complete guide
Manhole Cover is a versatile utility artifact that provides both immediate protection and late-game card advantage. Its ability to be cast at instant speed makes it a surprise defensive tool that can turn the tide of combat or save a key piece of your board. By combining a protective enters-the-battlefield effect with a sacrifice ability, it ensures value even after its initial job is done.
What It Does
Manhole Cover has three distinct parts: Flash, an enters-the-battlefield trigger, and an activated sacrifice ability. Flash allows you to ignore the usual timing restrictions for artifacts, meaning you can cast it during an opponent's turn or in response to a spell. When it enters the battlefield, it targets a creature to grant it indestructible until end of turn. Finally, for two mana and a sacrifice, you can target a player to draw a card.
Resolving the Trigger Step by Step
Step 1: Cast Manhole Cover as an instant if you wish. Step 2: Upon resolution, Manhole Cover enters the battlefield, and its triggered ability is put onto the stack. Step 3: You choose a target creature for the indestructible ability. Note that if the creature becomes an illegal target before the ability resolves, it will not gain indestructible. Step 4: Once the trigger resolves, the creature is protected from lethal damage and 'destroy' effects for the remainder of the turn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common error is forgetting that indestructible does not protect a creature from being exiled, sacrificed, or having its toughness reduced to zero by effects like -N/-N. Also, remember that the draw ability targets a player. If a player has hexproof, they cannot be targeted to draw the card. Additionally, since the sacrifice is part of the cost for the draw ability, Manhole Cover will be in the graveyard before the card is actually drawn.
Strategic Timing
The best time to play Manhole Cover is in response to a removal spell like a board wipe or a targeted destruction effect. Because it has Flash, you can wait until the last possible moment to deploy it. If you have excess mana from sources like Sol Ring or Arcane Signet, you can immediately sacrifice it if the protection is no longer needed, ensuring you keep your hand size up without cluttering your board.
Interaction examples
Sol RingIf an opponent attempts to destroy your favorite creature, you can tap Sol Ring to produce two colorless mana and cast Manhole Cover using its Flash ability. Manhole Cover enters, you target your creature with the indestructible trigger, and the opponent's destruction spell fails to destroy its target.
Arcane SignetDuring your opponent's end step, if you have no need for protection, you can use mana from Arcane Signet to pay the sacrifice cost of Manhole Cover. You target yourself with the ability, sacrifice the artifact, and draw a card to start your turn with fresh options.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Manhole Cover
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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Meta decks with Manhole Cover
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