Razaketh's Rite 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

Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Complete guide

Razaketh's Rite is a versatile black sorcery that ensures you always have the right tool for the job. Whether you need to find a game-winning combo piece or simply cycle it away to dig deeper into your deck, this card provides essential flexibility for any black mage.

What it Does

At its core, Razaketh's Rite is a 'tutor' effect, allowing you to search your entire library for any one card and put it directly into your hand. If the five-mana cost is too steep for your current situation, its Cycling ability allows you to discard it for a single black mana to draw a new card instead.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you cast the spell, you first pay the mana cost of three generic and two black mana. Upon resolution, you search your library for any card; you do not have to reveal it to your opponents. You then put that card into your hand and must shuffle your library. If you choose to use the Cycling ability, you pay one black mana and discard the card as a cost. This puts a triggered ability on the stack that, when resolved, lets you draw one card.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that Cycling is an activated ability, not a spell; it cannot be countered by effects that specifically target spells. Additionally, remember that you must shuffle your library even if you fail to find a card (though in a library with at least one card, you will always be able to find something since the search criteria is 'a card').

When to Play It

Cast this sorcery when you have a stable board state and need to find a specific answer or finisher. Use the Cycling ability in the early game if you are missing land drops or need to find faster plays, as the low cost of one black mana makes it very efficient for thinning your deck.

Interaction examples

Finding a Board Wipe

Damnation

If your opponent has an overwhelming number of creatures, you cast Razaketh's Rite during your main phase. You search your library for Damnation, put it in your hand, and shuffle. On your next turn (or the same turn if you have mana), you can cast Damnation to destroy all creatures.

Setting Up a Graveyard Swing

Living Death

When your graveyard is full of powerful creatures, use Razaketh's Rite to tutor for Living Death. This allows you to swap your empty board for a graveyard full of threats, effectively turning the search into a potential game-ending move.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.