SanctifyHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it does

Sanctify is a targeted removal spell that focuses on two specific permanent types: artifacts and enchantments. For the cost of two mana, it destroys the chosen target and provides a fixed life gain of 3 life. Because it is a sorcery, it must be played during your main phase when the stack is empty.

How it resolves step by step

First, you cast Sanctify by paying its mana cost and choosing a legal target, which must be an artifact or an enchantment. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal; if it is, the target is destroyed. Finally, you gain 3 life. Note that if the target becomes illegal before resolution (for example, if it is sacrificed or gains hexproof), the entire spell fails to resolve and you will not gain any life.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is attempting to cast Sanctify without a valid target just to gain the 3 life. According to Rule 608.2b, if the target is missing or illegal as the spell tries to resolve, none of its effects happen. Additionally, remember that Sanctify cannot target creatures unless they are also artifacts or enchantments.

When to play it

This spell is best utilized when your opponent relies on powerful Equipment, static enchantments, or mana rocks. It is particularly effective against aggressive strategies where the 3 life gain can mean the difference between surviving an extra turn or losing the game.

Interaction examples

Finding a Target

Open the Armory

If your opponent uses Open the Armory to search for a powerful Equipment like a Sword, you can use Sanctify on your next turn to destroy that Equipment as soon as it hits the battlefield, gaining 3 life in the process to offset any damage dealt.

Recursive Removal

Sevinne's Reclamation

If you have already cast Sanctify and it is in your graveyard, you can cast Sevinne's Reclamation to return a different small permanent to the battlefield. While Sevinne's Reclamation cannot return Sanctify (as it is not a permanent card), it illustrates how White mana excels at managing the graveyard while Sanctify manages the board.

Targeting Restrictions

If you target an artifact creature with Sanctify, the spell will successfully destroy the creature and you will gain 3 life, because the target satisfies the 'artifact' requirement regardless of its other types.