Seven of NineHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Seven of Nine features a triggered ability that activates whenever you 'face a dilemma.' In Magic: The Gathering, you face a dilemma whenever you choose one or more modes for a spell or ability. This includes spells that say 'Choose one —' or 'Choose two —', as well as abilities that offer choices upon resolution or casting.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you cast a modal spell or trigger a modal ability, the choice of modes happens during the casting or activation process. As soon as you make that choice, Seven of Nine's ability triggers and is put onto the stack on top of the original spell or ability. Seven of Nine's draw trigger will resolve first, putting a new card into your hand before the original modal effect takes place.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that standard 'Either/Or' choices that do not use the specific modal formatting (bullets or 'choose one') count as dilemmas. However, Seven of Nine specifically checks for the technical definition of choosing modes. Additionally, remember that Seven of Nine is an Artifact Creature, making her vulnerable to both creature removal and artifact destruction effects like Shatter.

When to Play It

This card shines in decks packed with modal spells, such as Charms or Commands. It is best deployed when you have a hand full of versatile answers, ensuring that every time you adapt to your opponent's threats, you are also digging deeper into your library for your next play.

Interaction examples

Maximizing the Scientist

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Human', Seven of Nine's triggered ability will trigger twice whenever you face a dilemma. If you cast a modal spell, you will draw two cards instead of one, significantly accelerating your game plan.

The Simulation Comparison

Solemn Simulacrum

While Solemn Simulacrum provides a guaranteed draw when it dies, Seven of Nine offers repeatable draws based on your spell choices. Note that Solemn Simulacrum's enter-the-battlefield ability is not a dilemma because it does not involve choosing modes, so it will not trigger Seven of Nine's draw ability.

Unassimilated Synergy

Seven of Nine, Unassimilated

If you control both versions of Seven of Nine, you gain consistent card flow. Seven of Nine, Unassimilated provides a draw in your main phase, while the Scientist version provides draws reactively whenever you cast modal spells to respond to your opponent's actions.