Serpentine SpikeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Colorless Destruction

The Devoid keyword means Serpentine Spike has no color, even though you must spend red mana to cast it. This remains true in all zones, including your hand, the stack, and your graveyard. The spell deals damage in fixed amounts: exactly 2, 3, and 4 damage to three distinct targets. A key feature of this card is its replacement effect: if any creature dealt damage by this spell would die later in the same turn, it is exiled instead of being placed in the graveyard.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you must choose three different creatures as targets to cast the spell. When Serpentine Spike resolves, it checks if the targets are still legal. If one or two targets have left the battlefield or gained Hexproof, the spell still deals the specified damage to the remaining legal targets. You cannot redistribute the 9 total damage; the targets will only ever receive the 2, 3, or 4 damage assigned during the casting phase. Once damage is dealt, the 'exile instead of die' rider is applied to those creatures until the end of the turn.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is attempting to cast this spell with fewer than three creatures on the board. Because the text specifies 'another' and 'a third' target creature, you cannot target the same creature multiple times to stack the damage. Additionally, remember that the exile effect applies to any reason the creature might die that turn. Even if Serpentine Spike doesn't kill the creature immediately, if that creature is destroyed by another effect or combat later in the turn, it will still be exiled.

When to Play It

This spell is best utilized when your opponent has a varied board state of small to mid-sized creatures. Because it is colorless, it is an excellent tool against creatures with 'Protection from Red.' Use it to clear blockers before a big swing or to prevent 'on-death' triggers from triggering, as the creatures will be exiled rather than entering the graveyard.

Interaction examples

Bypassing the Purge

All Is Dust

Because Serpentine Spike has Devoid, it is a colorless card in your hand. If an effect like All Is Dust were to care about colored spells or permanents, Serpentine Spike would be ignored because it is colorless. While All Is Dust forces the sacrifice of colored permanents, Serpentine Spike can be cast afterward to pick off any remaining colorless creatures your opponent might control.

Strategic Combat Setup

Full Throttle

If you cast Serpentine Spike during your first main phase, you can tag three potential blockers. Then, if you cast Full Throttle to gain additional combat phases, any of those three creatures that die during any of those multiple combat steps—whether from combat damage or other spells—will be exiled instead of going to the graveyard due to the Spike's lingering effect.

Dealing with Illegal Targets

Suppose you target three 2/2 creatures. In response, your opponent sacrifices the creature targeted for 4 damage. When Serpentine Spike resolves, it will still deal 2 damage to the first target and 3 damage to the second target. Those two creatures will die and be exiled. The spell does not fail just because one target disappeared, but you cannot move that 4 damage to the remaining creatures.