Revival // Revenge — ruling 1

If you copy a spell that's half of a split card, the copy copies that same half. For example, if you copy Assault, the copy is also Assault, not Battery.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 2

To cast a split card, choose one of its halves to cast. There's no way to cast both halves of this split card.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 3

Split cards have two card faces on a single card. The characteristics of the half you didn't cast are ignored while the spell is on the stack.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 4

Each split card is a single card. For example, if you discard a split card, you've discarded one card, not two. If an effect counts the number of sorcery cards in your graveyard, Assault // Battery counts once, not twice.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 5

Each split card has two names. If an effect instructs you to choose a card name, you may choose one of those names, but not both.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 6

A split card's characteristics are a combination of its two halves while it is not on the stack. For example, Assault // Battery has a mana value of 5 while it is in your library. If an effect allows you to search your library for a card with mana value 4 or less, you can't find Assault // Battery.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 7

If an effect allows you to cast a spell with certain characteristics, consider only the characteristics of the half you're casting. For example, if an effect allows you to cast a sorcery spell with mana value 2 or less from among cards in your graveyard, you could cast Assault this way, but not Battery.

Revival // Revenge — ruling 8

To double a player's life total, that player gains as much life as needed so that their life total is twice the number it was before. If their life total was negative, that player loses as much life as needed so that their life total is twice as far below 0 as it was before. Other effects interact with this life gain or loss accordingly.

Revival // Revenge : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Revival // Revenge 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

Return target creature card with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield. Double your life total. Target opponent loses half their life, rounded up.

Complete guide

Revival // Revenge is a versatile split card that offers utility in the early game and a massive swing in the late game. Whether you are bringing back a fallen ally or crushing your opponent's health, this card is a powerful tool for Orzhov mages. Understanding how split cards function is key to mastering its dual nature.

How Split Cards Work

Revival // Revenge is a single card with two distinct halves. When it is in your hand, library, or graveyard, its characteristics are a combination of both sides; for example, its total mana value is 8. However, when you cast it, you choose only one half to put onto the stack. The half you didn't cast is ignored while the spell is resolving.

Resolving the Spells

Revival targets a creature card in your graveyard with a mana value of 3 or less and puts it directly onto the battlefield. Revenge does not target you, but it does target an opponent. When Revenge resolves, you gain life equal to your current life total to double it, and the opponent loses half their life, rounded up. If your life total is negative, doubling it actually results in life loss.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to cast both halves at once; you must choose one or the other. Additionally, remember that while the card is in your graveyard, it counts as a single card with a mana value of 8. If an effect asks for a card with mana value 2 or less, you cannot choose this card, even though the Revival half costs two mana.

When to Play It

Cast Revival early to recover key utility creatures or aggressive threats that your opponent has dealt with. Save Revenge for the late game when life totals are high to create a massive life gap that is difficult for your opponent to overcome.

Interaction examples

Recovering from a Board Wipe

Kindred Dominance

If your opponent casts Kindred Dominance and destroys your small creatures, you can cast the Revival half of Revival // Revenge for two mana to immediately return one of those creatures with mana value 3 or less to the battlefield.

Massive Life Swings

Rise of the Dark Realms

After an opponent casts Rise of the Dark Realms to fill their board with creatures, your life total might be under pressure. Casting Revenge will double your current life total, giving you a buffer against their new army, while simultaneously cutting their life total in half to put them within striking distance.

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

How it works : Revival // Revenge

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If you copy a spell that's half of a split card, the copy copies that same half. For example, if you copy Assault, the copy is also Assault, not Battery.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
To cast a split card, choose one of its halves to cast. There's no way to cast both halves of this split card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Split cards have two card faces on a single card. The characteristics of the half you didn't cast are ignored while the spell is on the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Each split card is a single card. For example, if you discard a split card, you've discarded one card, not two. If an effect counts the number of sorcery cards in your graveyard, Assault // Battery counts once, not twice.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Each split card has two names. If an effect instructs you to choose a card name, you may choose one of those names, but not both.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
A split card's characteristics are a combination of its two halves while it is not on the stack. For example, Assault // Battery has a mana value of 5 while it is in your library. If an effect allows you to search your library for a card with mana value 4 or less, you can't find Assault // Battery.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7December 8, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect allows you to cast a spell with certain characteristics, consider only the characteristics of the half you're casting. For example, if an effect allows you to cast a sorcery spell with mana value 2 or less from among cards in your graveyard, you could cast Assault this way, but not Battery.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8January 25, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
To double a player's life total, that player gains as much life as needed so that their life total is twice the number it was before. If their life total was negative, that player loses as much life as needed so that their life total is twice as far below 0 as it was before. Other effects interact with this life gain or loss accordingly.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9January 25, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If a card in a graveyard has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.