Silent Extraction 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
Choose target spell. Counter that spell unless its controller pays. Threshold — If seven or more cards are in your graveyard, seek a creature card with the same mana value as the chosen spell.
Complete guide
Silent Extraction is a versatile utility spell that offers both disruption and card advantage under the right conditions. This blue and green instant provides a taxing counter effect that can be significantly enhanced if your graveyard is sufficiently filled.
A Tactical Taxing Effect
At its core, Silent Extraction functions as a Mana Leak variant that requires the opponent to pay two extra mana to keep their spell. However, its true power is unlocked through the Threshold mechanic, which checks if you have seven or more cards in your graveyard as the spell resolves.
Resolution and Threshold
When you cast Silent Extraction, you target a spell on the stack. Upon resolution, the game first checks the tax: if the controller cannot or will not pay {2}, the spell is countered. Then, the game checks your graveyard count. If you have seven or more cards, you 'seek' a creature card—meaning a card is randomly pulled from your library into your hand—that shares the mana value of the spell you targeted, regardless of whether that spell was actually countered.
Common Mistakes
One common error is assuming the Threshold effect only happens if the spell is countered. In reality, you still seek a creature even if the opponent pays the {2}, as long as you have seven cards in your graveyard. Additionally, the mana value of the creature you seek is based on the mana value of the targeted spell as it exists on the stack, not its total cost including additional taxes.
Timing Your Extraction
This card is best played in decks that can quickly fill the graveyard. Because it is an instant, you can hold it up during your opponent's turn to disrupt their tempo. Late in the game, it serves as a powerful tutor that replaces itself while forcing your opponent to use their resources.
Interaction examples
CounterspellYour opponent casts Counterspell (mana value 2). You cast Silent Extraction targeting it. If you have seven cards in your graveyard, the opponent must pay {2} or lose their spell. Whether they pay or not, you will seek a creature card with mana value 2 from your library because the Threshold requirement is met.
Beast WithinAn opponent targets your permanent with Beast Within (mana value 3). You respond with Silent Extraction. If you have fewer than seven cards in your graveyard, the spell only acts as a tax. If you have seven or more, you get to find a 3-mana creature from your deck to replace the potential loss of your permanent.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Silent Extraction
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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Meta decks with Silent Extraction
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