Proft's Eidetic MemoryHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unlocking Your Hand and Mind

Proft's Eidetic Memory provides three distinct benefits. First, it replaces itself immediately by drawing a card when it enters the battlefield. Second, it grants you an infinite hand size, which is essential for decks that draw multiple cards per turn. Finally, it features a triggered ability at the start of combat that rewards you for drawing two or more cards during your turn by placing +1/+1 counters on a creature you control.

The Step-by-Step Resolution

The combat trigger uses an 'intervening if' clause. This means the game checks if you have drawn more than one card at the exact moment your beginning of combat step starts. If you have only drawn your normal card for the turn, the ability does not even go on the stack. If it does trigger, you target a creature. Upon resolution, the game counts the total number of cards drawn that turn, subtracts one, and places that many +1/+1 counters on the target. If you draw additional cards while the ability is still waiting on the stack, those cards will count toward the final value of X.

Common Pitfalls

It is important to remember that this enchantment tracks all cards drawn during the turn, even those drawn before Proft's Eidetic Memory was played. However, the trigger only happens at the beginning of combat. If you draw ten cards during your post-combat main phase, you will not receive any counters until your next turn's combat step. Additionally, if the targeted creature leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, no counters are placed anywhere.

Strategic Timing

To maximize this card, you should aim to draw at least two cards during your upkeep or main phase. Because the ability triggers at the start of combat, you have the opportunity to cast sorcery-speed draw spells to ensure the 'if' condition is met. This makes it an excellent engine for aggressive decks that use blue for utility.

Interaction examples

Calculating X at Resolution

You start your turn and draw a card for your turn. During your main phase, you cast Proft's Eidetic Memory. Its enters-the-battlefield ability triggers, and you draw your second card for the turn. As you move to your beginning of combat step, the ability triggers because you have drawn two cards. The ability targets Proft's Eidetic Memory (if it has become a creature) or another creature. X is calculated as 2 minus 1, so the creature receives one +1/+1 counter.

Drawing on the Opponent's Turn

Rhystic Study

If you have Rhystic Study on the battlefield and draw five cards during your opponent's turn, those cards do not help Proft's Eidetic Memory's combat trigger. The trigger only counts cards drawn during *your* current turn. You must draw at least two cards during your own turn to place counters.

Maintaining a Massive Hand

Mystic Remora

With Mystic Remora and Proft's Eidetic Memory both in play, you can draw numerous cards during your opponents' turns without worrying about discarding down to seven cards during your cleanup step. Then, on your turn, if you pay the cumulative upkeep for Mystic Remora and cast a draw spell, Proft's Eidetic Memory will ensure your creatures grow based on the total cards drawn that turn.