Sultai CharmHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Choice of Three Paths

When you cast Sultai Charm, you must choose one of its three modes as part of the casting process. The first mode targets a monocolored creature to be destroyed, meaning it must have exactly one color. The second mode targets and destroys an artifact or enchantment. The third mode allows you to draw two cards and then immediately discard one card from your hand.

Resolving the Charm

For the destruction modes, you must choose a valid target as you cast the spell. If the target is illegal when the spell attempts to resolve, the entire spell is removed from the stack and none of its effects happen. For the third mode, you do not choose the card to discard until the spell is resolving and you have already drawn the two cards.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error involves the definition of 'monocolored.' According to the official rulings, a monocolored creature is exactly one color; therefore, you cannot use the first mode to target a colorless creature or a multicolored creature. Additionally, if you choose the third mode, you must perform both actions in order: draw two, then discard one. You cannot skip the discard step even if your hand is empty before the draw.

When to Cast

Sultai Charm is most effective at the end of your opponent's turn. If they play a dangerous artifact or enchantment, you can remove it instantly. If they do nothing significant, you can choose the third mode to filter your hand and gain card advantage while keeping your mana open for other responses.

Interaction examples

Handling Counter Magic

Counterspell

You cast Sultai Charm choosing to destroy an artifact. In response, your opponent casts Counterspell targeting Sultai Charm. Because Counterspell resolves first, it moves Sultai Charm to the graveyard before any of its modes can take effect, and the artifact remains on the battlefield.

Cleaning Up the Aftermath

Beast Within

You cast Beast Within on an opponent's land. They receive a 3/3 green Beast creature token. Because this token is exactly one color (green), you can later cast Sultai Charm using its first mode to destroy that monocolored token, effectively removing the threat you created.

Cycling for Answers

If your opponent has no creatures, artifacts, or enchantments worth destroying, you cast Sultai Charm choosing the third mode. You draw two cards, look at your new hand, and then discard the least useful card. This allows you to dig through your library for specific answers while the spell is on the stack.