Raffine, Scheming SeerHow it works & interactions with other cards

How Connive X Works

When you declare attackers, Raffine's ability triggers and targets one attacking creature. Upon resolution, you count all creatures currently attacking to determine X. You then draw X cards and discard X cards. For every nonland card discarded this way, you place a +1/+1 counter on the target creature. Note that you calculate the value of X only when the ability resolves, so if creatures are removed in response to the trigger, X may be smaller than expected.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you choose a target creature you control that is currently attacking. Second, you count all attacking creatures to find the value of X. Third, you draw X cards. Fourth, you choose and discard X cards from your hand. Finally, you count how many of those discarded cards were nonlands and place that many +1/+1 counters on the targeted creature. This entire process happens as one continuous action; opponents cannot interrupt between the draw/discard and the placement of counters.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is thinking you can wait to see what you draw before choosing which creature connives. Because Raffine's ability is a targeted trigger, you must choose the target when the ability is put on the stack. Additionally, if your hand is empty and an effect prevents you from drawing cards, you won't discard anything, and the creature will not receive any +1/+1 counters. If the targeted creature leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, you still draw and discard, but no counters are placed.

When to Play Raffine

Raffine is best played when you already have a small board presence to take advantage of the 'Whenever you attack' trigger immediately. Since it has Ward {1} and Flying, it is both a resilient threat and a reliable evasive attacker. It excels in decks that care about graveyard synergy, as it allows you to precisely dump high-cost spells or reanimation targets while digging for answers.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Scheme

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Sphinx' or 'Demon', Raffine's attack trigger will trigger twice. If you attack with both creatures, you will have two separate Raffine triggers. Each trigger will target a creature (you can choose the same or different ones). For each resolution, X will be 2. You will draw two and discard two twice, potentially putting up to four +1/+1 counters across your attackers.

Value in the Vanguard

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Raffine and Solemn Simulacrum, X equals 2. You target the Simulacrum with the connive trigger to make it a larger threat. You draw two cards and discard two. If you discard two nonland cards, the Simulacrum gets two +1/+1 counters. This interaction is excellent for filtering your hand while turning a utility creature into a legitimate combat threat.

Protecting the Target

If you attack with Raffine alone, X is 1. You target Raffine with its own ability. You draw a card and discard a card. If an opponent wants to stop the counter, they must cast a removal spell while the trigger is still on the stack. Once the ability starts resolving and you have drawn your card, it is too late for them to stop Raffine from growing.