Mocking Sprite 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
Flying Instant and sorcery spells you cast costless to cast.
Complete guide
Mocking Sprite is a nimble Faerie Rogue that brings both evasive pressure and significant mana efficiency to your deck. By reducing the cost of your instant and sorcery spells, this creature acts as a powerful enabler for spell-heavy strategies. Whether you are aiming to tempo out your opponent or set up a massive turn, the Sprite is a versatile addition to any blue mage's arsenal.
Understanding Cost Reduction
Mocking Sprite has a static ability that reduces the cost of instant and sorcery spells you cast by {1}. It is important to remember that this reduction applies only to the generic mana portion of a spell's cost. It cannot reduce the colored mana requirements, so a spell costing {U} will still cost {U}, even with the Sprite on the battlefield.
Step-by-Step Resolution
When you cast an instant or sorcery, you first announce the spell and place it on the stack. Next, you determine the total cost by starting with the mana cost or alternative cost, adding any cost increases, and finally applying cost reductions like the one from Mocking Sprite. Once the total cost is calculated, you pay that amount to finish casting the spell.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A frequent misconception is that Mocking Sprite changes the mana value of a spell. It does not; the mana value is always derived from the symbols in the upper corner of the card. Additionally, this effect only applies while Mocking Sprite is on the battlefield. If the Sprite is destroyed in response to you beginning to cast a spell, the reduction may no longer apply if you hadn't reached the cost-payment step yet.
Strategic Implementation
Mocking Sprite is best utilized in decks that want to cast multiple spells in a single turn. Because the {1} reduction applies to every instant and sorcery you cast, the value compounds with every spell played. It also serves as a flying blocker or attacker, providing utility even when you aren't actively casting spells.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf you have Mocking Sprite on the battlefield and cast Solemn Simulacrum, the cost is not reduced. Mocking Sprite specifically reduces the cost of 'Instant and sorcery spells.' Since Solemn Simulacrum is an Artifact Creature, it will still cost its full {4} mana.
Roaming ThroneIf you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Faerie' as its type, it will not double Mocking Sprite's cost reduction. Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities (which use 'when,' 'whenever,' or 'at'). Mocking Sprite's cost reduction is a static ability, so it remains a {1} reduction regardless of Roaming Throne.
On its own, Mocking Sprite can be cast for {2}{U}. Once it resolves, its Flying keyword allows it to attack over grounded blockers, while its static ability immediately begins reducing the cost of any Opt or Counterspell you might wish to cast later that turn.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Mocking Sprite
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Mocking Sprite's last ability doesn't change the mana cost or mana value of any spell. It changes only the total cost you pay.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Mocking Sprite's last ability can't reduce the amount of colored mana you pay for a spell. It reduces only the generic mana component of that cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Mocking Sprite
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.