Second Thoughts 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
Exile target attacking creature. Draw a card.
Complete guide
Second Thoughts is a classic white defensive spell that provides both removal and card advantage. By exiling an attacking threat and replacing itself in your hand, it ensures you stay ahead in the long game. This instant-speed spell is a cornerstone for control players looking to stabilize their board state.
What it Does
Second Thoughts targets a single creature that has been declared as an attacker during the combat phase. Upon resolution, it removes that creature from the game permanently via exile and allows the controller of the spell to draw one card.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you cast the spell during the combat phase, specifically targeting a creature that is currently attacking. When the spell resolves, the targeted creature is moved to the exile zone. Immediately after the creature is exiled, you perform the second part of the spell's effect: drawing a card from your library.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error involves the spell's target becoming illegal. If the creature is removed from combat, gains protection, or leaves the battlefield before Second Thoughts resolves, the entire spell fails. In this scenario, you do not get to draw a card because the spell has no valid targets.
When to Play It
Timing is crucial; you must cast this after attackers have been declared but before the combat phase ends. Because it exiles rather than destroys, it is exceptionally powerful against creatures with indestructible or graveyard-based recursion abilities.
Interaction examples
Akroma's WillIf you target an opponent's creature with Second Thoughts, and they respond by casting Akroma's Will to give their creatures protection from white, Second Thoughts will have an illegal target upon resolution. The creature remains on the battlefield and you do not draw a card.
Clever ConcealmentWhen you cast Second Thoughts on an attacking creature, the opponent may cast Clever Concealment to phase that creature out. Since a phased-out creature is treated as though it doesn't exist, Second Thoughts will fizzle, and no card will be drawn.
During your opponent's Declare Attackers step, you cast Second Thoughts targeting their strongest creature. If no one responds, the creature is exiled, and you draw a card, effectively trading one card for their threat and a fresh draw.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Second Thoughts
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the targeted creature is an illegal target when Second Thoughts tries to resolve, the entire spell doesn’t resolve. You won’t draw a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Second Thoughts
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.