Stinkweed Imp — ruling 1

One card draw can't be replaced by multiple dredge abilities.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 2

Dredge can replace any card draw, not only the one during your draw step.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 3

If an effect puts a card into your hand without specifically using the word "draw," you're not drawing a card. Dredge can't replace this event.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 4

If you're drawing multiple cards, each draw is performed one at a time. For example, if you're instructed to draw two cards and you replace the first draw with a dredge ability, another card with a dredge ability (including one that was milled by the first dredge ability) may be used to replace the second draw.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 5

You can't attempt to use a dredge ability if you don't have enough cards in your library.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 6

Once you've announced that you're applying a card's dredge ability to replace a draw, players can't take any actions until you've put that card into your hand and milled cards.

Stinkweed Imp — ruling 7

Notably, Stinkweed Imp's ability isn't deathtouch. It's a triggered ability that triggers only on combat damage.

Stinkweed Imp : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Stinkweed Imp 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

Flying Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a creature, destroy that creature. Dredge 5 (If you would draw a card, you may mill five cards instead. If you do, return this card from your graveyard to your hand.)

Complete guide

Stinkweed Imp is a graveyard-synergy powerhouse that doubles as a lethal defensive deterrent. Whether it is acting as a pseudo-deathtouch blocker or filling your graveyard with its high Dredge count, this Imp is a staple for any black deck looking to manipulate its deck size.

Lethal Combat and Dredge Mechanics

Stinkweed Imp features a triggered ability that destroys any creature it deals combat damage to, effectively acting like deathtouch but functioning as a trigger. Additionally, its Dredge 5 ability allows you to replace any card draw by milling exactly five cards from your library to return the Imp from your graveyard to your hand. This replacement effect can only be used if the Imp is already in your graveyard and you have at least five cards remaining in your library.

Resolving the Dredge Ability

Dredge is a replacement effect, not a triggered or activated ability. When you are instructed to draw a card, you decide whether to use Dredge at that moment; if you do, the draw is replaced entirely by the mill and the return of the Imp. Because players cannot respond once you decide to replace a draw, your opponent cannot exile the Imp in response to the Dredge choice itself.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is treating the combat ability as deathtouch. Because it is a triggered ability, there is a window where players can cast spells before the damaged creature is actually destroyed. Another mistake involves drawing multiple cards: remember that draws happen one at a time. If you mill a second card with Dredge during a 'draw two' effect, you can use that new card's Dredge ability for the second draw.

Interaction examples

Double Destruction with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Imp' chosen as the creature type, Stinkweed Imp's combat damage ability will trigger twice. While a creature is usually destroyed by the first trigger, this can be relevant if the first destruction is prevented by a shield counter or an 'indestructible until end of turn' effect that might wear off.

Cycling Through the Graveyard

Solemn Simulacrum

When Solemn Simulacrum dies, its triggered ability allows you to draw a card. If Stinkweed Imp is in your graveyard at this time, you can replace that specific draw with Dredge 5. You mill five cards and put the Imp into your hand, effectively using the Golem's death to fuel your graveyard and retrieve your recursive blocker.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Stinkweed Imp

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
One card draw can't be replaced by multiple dredge abilities.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Dredge can replace any card draw, not only the one during your draw step.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect puts a card into your hand without specifically using the word "draw," you're not drawing a card. Dredge can't replace this event.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
If you're drawing multiple cards, each draw is performed one at a time. For example, if you're instructed to draw two cards and you replace the first draw with a dredge ability, another card with a dredge ability (including one that was milled by the first dredge ability) may be used to replace the second draw.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
You can't attempt to use a dredge ability if you don't have enough cards in your library.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Once you've announced that you're applying a card's dredge ability to replace a draw, players can't take any actions until you've put that card into your hand and milled cards.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7March 19, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Notably, Stinkweed Imp's ability isn't deathtouch. It's a triggered ability that triggers only on combat damage.
No other card is named in this ruling.