Ozai's CrueltyHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Ozai's Cruelty has two primary effects that occur in a specific order: it deals 2 damage to a target player, and then that same player must discard two cards. Because it has the Lesson subtype, you can cast it normally from your deck or use a 'Learn' ability to put it into your hand from outside the game.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast the spell and choose a target player. Upon resolution, the spell checks if the target is still legal. If the target is valid, the 2 damage is dealt first, reducing their life total. Immediately following the damage, that player chooses two cards from their hand and puts them into their graveyard. If they have only one card, they discard that one; if they have none, that part of the effect simply does nothing.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the discard is mandatory even if the damage is prevented. As long as the player is a legal target, the spell will try to perform as much as possible. Additionally, remember that as a Sorcery, you cannot cast this on an opponent's draw step to force them to discard the card they just drew unless you have an effect that allows you to cast Sorceries at Flash speed.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized when your opponent is low on resources or life. In the mid-game, it can strip away their last remaining defensive options or finishers. It is also an excellent target for cards that allow you to search your library, ensuring you have the right tool to punish a slow-starting opponent.

Interaction examples

Finding the Solution

Demonic Tutor

If you need to close out a game or empty an opponent's hand, you can use Demonic Tutor to search your library for Ozai's Cruelty. Since Demonic Tutor puts the card directly into your hand, you can then spend three mana to cast Ozai's Cruelty, dealing the final bits of damage and forcing discards in a single turn cycle.

Clearing the Path

Toxic Deluge

In a scenario where your opponent has a strong board presence, you might first cast Toxic Deluge to clear their creatures by paying life. With the board empty, you can then cast Ozai's Cruelty to attack their hand, ensuring they cannot easily rebuild their board state on their next turn.

Strategic Discard

When casting Ozai's Cruelty against an opponent with exactly two cards, they lose 2 life and both cards. If they respond by casting one of those cards (if it is an Instant), the spell still resolves, deals 2 damage, and they discard their one remaining card.