Mishra's CommandHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing Your Modes

When you cast Mishra's Command, you must choose exactly two of the four available modes and choose a value for X. The value of X applies to every mode you select. You must be able to choose legal targets for all chosen modes to cast the spell; for example, if there are no creatures on the board, you cannot select the modes that target a creature.

Step-by-Step Resolution

Mishra's Command resolves in the order the modes are printed on the card, regardless of which ones you picked. First, if selected, the targeted player discards up to X cards and draws that many. Second, damage is dealt to the targeted creature. Third, damage is dealt to the targeted planeswalker. Finally, the targeted creature receives its power boost and haste. If any target becomes illegal before the spell resolves, the other chosen mode will still resolve as long as its own target is still valid.

Strategic Timing

Since Mishra's Command is a sorcery, you generally want to use it during your main phase to clear blockers or buff an attacker. The discard mode is particularly powerful for digging through your deck to find specific answers, while the damage modes provide efficient scaling removal for both creatures and planeswalkers in the mid-to-late game.

Common Pitfalls

A frequent mistake is forgetting that you cannot choose the same mode twice. You must pick two different bullet points. Additionally, remember that the discard mode says 'up to X'—the targeted player can choose to discard zero cards if they wish, though they will then draw zero cards from that effect.

Interaction examples

Cycling for Answers

Faithless Looting

If you have Faithless Looting in your graveyard but need more fuel, you can cast Mishra's Command with X=3. By choosing the first mode and the fourth mode, you can discard three unwanted lands to draw three new cards, then give a creature +3/+0 and haste to attack immediately.

Clearing the Path

Vandalblast

If your opponent has a small creature and an artifact blocking your way, you could cast Vandalblast to destroy the artifact, then follow up with Mishra's Command. By selecting the second mode (damage to creature) and the fourth mode (buffing your own creature), you remove their remaining blocker and increase your creature's power for a massive strike.

The Finisher

With a large amount of mana, you can cast Mishra's Command where X=6. By targeting an opponent's pesky planeswalker for 6 damage and giving your own creature +6/+0 and haste, you can effectively remove a threat and end the game in one combat phase.