Mishra, Excavation ProdigyHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Excavation Works

Mishra, Excavation Prodigy has three distinct parts: Haste, an activated ability, and a triggered ability. You can pay one mana and tap him to discard a card and draw a card. If the card you discarded was an artifact, his second ability triggers, granting you two Red mana. Note that this mana trigger only happens once per turn, regardless of how many artifacts you discard at once or over multiple instances.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you activate Mishra's ability by paying {1}, tapping him, and choosing a card to discard. Once the cost is paid, if that card was an artifact, his triggered ability goes on the stack immediately. You will resolve the mana-generating trigger first, adding {R}{R} to your mana pool. Finally, the original activated ability resolves, allowing you to draw a card. Because it has Haste, you can perform this sequence the same turn Mishra enters the battlefield.

Common Pitfalls

A frequent mistake is assuming the mana trigger happens every time you discard an artifact. The text specifies it triggers 'only once each turn.' Also, remember that you do not need to use Mishra's own ability to get the mana; any effect that causes you to discard an artifact, such as a spell cast by an opponent or a different discard outlet, will trigger the ability if it hasn't already fired that turn.

When to Deploy Mishra

Deploy Mishra when you have excess artifact cards in hand that are better suited for the graveyard or when you need a sudden burst of mana. Since the trigger provides {R}{R}, it effectively pays for its own activation and leaves you with a profit of one Red mana, making it an excellent tool for accelerating into mid-game threats while fixing your hand.

Interaction examples

Cycling for Profit

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Solemn Simulacrum in your hand and need mana, you can activate Mishra's ability and discard the Golem. Because Solemn Simulacrum is an artifact, Mishra's triggered ability fires. You add {R}{R} to your mana pool and then draw a card from Mishra's activated ability. This allows you to cycle through your deck while gaining mana to cast your next spell.

Doubling the Output

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Artificer' chosen, its ability will apply to Mishra. When you discard an artifact card, Mishra's triggered ability triggers an additional time. Despite the 'once each turn' restriction on the ability itself, Roaming Throne's effect bypasses this by causing the single event to trigger the ability twice, netting you a total of {R}{R}{R}{R}.