Memory Plunder 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
You may cast target instant or sorcery card from an opponent's graveyard without paying its mana cost.
Complete guide
Memory Plunder is a versatile instant that allows you to turn your opponent's best spells against them. By targeting an instant or sorcery in an opposing graveyard, you gain the ability to cast it immediately for free. This makes it a powerful tool for reactive plays or seizing a game-ending effect from a discarded resource.
How it Works
When you cast Memory Plunder, you choose a target instant or sorcery card in an opponent's graveyard. As the spell resolves, you decide whether or not you want to cast that card. If you do, you cast it without paying its mana cost. Because this happens during the resolution of Memory Plunder, you ignore normal timing restrictions, meaning you can cast a sorcery card even if it is currently an opponent's turn.
The Casting Process
First, ensure the target card is legal as Memory Plunder resolves. If the chosen card has a requirement like 'Cast this only during combat' and it is currently your main phase, you cannot cast it. If you choose to cast it, you follow all normal spell-casting procedures: you choose modes and targets for the stolen spell. While you cannot pay alternative costs, you may choose to pay optional additional costs like Kicker or Conspire to enhance the spell.
Common Pitfalls
A frequent mistake is assuming you can save the spell for later. You must cast the target card during the resolution of Memory Plunder; if you choose not to, or if you cannot provide legal targets for the stolen spell, the card simply stays in the graveyard. Additionally, if the stolen spell is countered or finishes resolving, it goes to its owner's graveyard, not yours.
When to Use Memory Plunder
This card is best used as a surprise tool. Since it is an instant, you can wait for your opponent to tap out or wait for the perfect moment to 'borrow' a board wipe or a card-draw spell. It is particularly effective in formats like Commander where high-impact spells are frequently found in graveyards.
Interaction examples
Frantic SearchIf your opponent has Frantic Search in their graveyard, you can cast Memory Plunder targeting it. Upon resolution, you cast Frantic Search for free. You will draw two cards, discard two cards, and then untap three of your own lands. This effectively reduces the net cost of Memory Plunder to just one mana.
Fierce GuardianshipSuppose an opponent casts a noncreature spell and has Fierce Guardianship in their graveyard. You cast Memory Plunder targeting Fierce Guardianship. Even if you do not control a commander, you can cast Fierce Guardianship for free because Memory Plunder lets you ignore the mana cost. You then target the opponent's active spell with the stolen counterspell.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Memory Plunder
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If you want to cast the card, you cast it as part of the resolution of Memory Plunder. Timing restrictions based on the card's type are ignored if it's a sorcery. Other casting restrictions are not (such as “Cast [this card] only during combat”).
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
If you are unable to cast the card (there are no legal targets for the spell, for example), nothing happens when Memory Plunder resolves, and the card remains in its owner's graveyard.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If you cast a card “without paying its mana cost,” you can't pay any alternative costs. On the other hand, if the card has additional costs (such as conspire), you may pay those.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Memory Plunder
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.