Succumb to TemptationHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

This spell is a straightforward card-advantage tool. For three mana, it allows you to draw two cards from your library, but it comes at a price: you must lose 2 life. Unlike cards that 'deal damage,' this life loss cannot be prevented by effects that stop damage, making it a reliable but risky investment.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast the spell and pay the mana cost. Once it resolves, you perform the instructions in order. You draw two cards first, and then you immediately lose 2 life. If your life total is 2 or less, the life loss will occur right after the draw, potentially resulting in you losing the game as a state-based action once the spell finishes resolving.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that this spell is an instant, not a sorcery. Many players cast it during their main phase when they could have waited until the opponent's end step. Additionally, remember that the life loss is not a cost to cast the spell; it happens during resolution. If the spell is countered, you do not lose any life.

When to Play It

The best time to cast this is usually during your opponent's end step. This allows you to keep your mana open for reactive spells or removal during their turn, then spend that mana to refresh your hand right before you untap. It is also useful in response to a spell that might force you to discard cards.

Interaction examples

Digging for Answers

Deadly Rollick

If your opponent attacks with a massive creature, you can cast Succumb to Temptation on their turn to draw two cards. If one of those cards is Deadly Rollick and you control your commander, you can immediately cast it for its alternative cost to exile the attacker before it deals damage.

Resource Management

Deadly Dispute

In a deck with many 'draw two' effects, you can cast Succumb to Temptation to find fodder for Deadly Dispute. By drawing into a creature or artifact, you ensure you have a valid target to sacrifice for the additional cost of Deadly Dispute later in the game.