Sudden Edict 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
Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.) Target player sacrifices a creature of their choice.
Complete guide
Sudden Edict is a powerful removal spell that bypasses the usual ways players protect their board. Thanks to its split second keyword, it ensures that your opponent's most dangerous creature hits the graveyard before they can react. This card is a staple for black mages who want to force a sacrifice without fear of counterspells.
What It Does
Sudden Edict forces a target player to choose and sacrifice one creature they control. The defining feature of this spell is split second, which prevents players from casting spells or activating non-mana abilities as long as Sudden Edict is on the stack. This means your opponent cannot respond with protection spells, countermagic, or sacrifice outlets.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, you cast Sudden Edict and choose a target player. Once it is on the stack, split second applies, locking down most player actions. When the spell resolves, the targeted player must select one creature they control and move it to the graveyard. Note that the player chooses which creature to sacrifice during resolution, not when you cast the spell. Finally, after the creature is sacrificed and Sudden Edict leaves the stack, players regain the ability to cast spells as normal.
Common Mistakes
A common misconception is that split second stops everything. While players can't cast spells, triggered abilities (like those from Chalice of the Void) still trigger and resolve. Additionally, players can still activate mana abilities or take special actions, such as turning a face-down creature face up. Another mistake is forgetting that Sudden Edict targets the player, not the creature; if the player has hexproof, they cannot be targeted by this spell.
When to Play It
Sudden Edict is best used when your opponent has one high-value creature or a creature with Indestructible or Ward, as sacrifice bypasses those keywords. It is also excellent for stopping 'combo' turns where an opponent might want to respond to your removal with their own spells to save their creature.
Interaction examples
Vampiric TutorIf you cast Sudden Edict, your opponent cannot respond by casting Vampiric Tutor to find a way to save their creature. The split second ability prevents them from putting any instant spells on the stack until Sudden Edict has finished resolving.
Dark RitualWhile Sudden Edict is on the stack, a player can still cast Dark Ritual because it is a mana ability (in older printings) or they can activate other mana-producing abilities. However, they cannot spend that mana on other spells or non-mana abilities until the Edict has resolved.
You target your opponent with Sudden Edict. Even if they have a powerful creature they want to keep, they are forced to choose one creature they control to sacrifice. Because of split second, they cannot sacrifice that creature to another effect in response to deny you the choice.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Sudden Edict
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack; their options are just limited to mana abilities and certain special actions.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Players may turn face-down creatures face up while a spell with split second is on the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
Split second doesn't stop triggered abilities from triggering, such as that of Chalice of the Void. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and chooses targets for it, if any. Those abilities will resolve as normal
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
Casting a spell with split second won't affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that spell can't be cast if a spell with split second is on the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #6· Wizards of the Coast
After a spell with split second resolves (or otherwise leaves the stack), players may again cast spells and activate abilities before the next object on the stack resolves.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Sudden Edict
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.