SuplexHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Utility Modes

When you cast Suplex, you choose between two distinct modes. The first mode deals 3 damage to a target creature and sets up a replacement effect: if that creature would die at any point later in the same turn, it is exiled instead of being put into the graveyard. The second mode allows you to target and exile an artifact directly. Because it exiles rather than destroys, it bypasses indestructible effects and prevents graveyard recursion for both creatures and artifacts.

The Resolution Process

Step 1: Announce Suplex and choose your mode. If you choose the first mode, select a target creature; if you choose the second, select a target artifact. Step 2: Pay the mana cost of {1}{R}. Step 3: Upon resolution, if the target is still legal, the chosen effect occurs. If the creature mode was chosen, the 3 damage is dealt and the 'exile instead of die' replacement effect is applied to that creature for the duration of the turn. If the artifact mode was chosen, the artifact is moved directly to the exile zone.

Important Timing and Rulings

A common mistake is assuming the creature must die specifically from Suplex's damage to be exiled. According to official rulings, the replacement effect will exile the creature if it would die for any reason this turn, such as being sacrificed or destroyed by another spell later in the phase. Additionally, remember that Suplex is a sorcery, meaning you can generally only cast it during your main phase when the stack is empty.

Strategic Usage

Use Suplex when you are facing decks that rely on 'dies' triggers or graveyard recursion. By exiling the target, you prevent effects that trigger when a permanent is put into a graveyard from across the table. It is also an excellent tool for removing artifacts that are otherwise difficult to deal with, as it does not allow for regeneration or indestructible protection.

Interaction examples

Handling Artifacts and Card Filtering

Faithless Looting

If you have Suplex in your hand but no immediate targets, you might cast Faithless Looting to draw two cards and discard Suplex to find a more proactive threat. Conversely, if your opponent has a powerful artifact, you can use Suplex's second mode to exile it permanently. Unlike Faithless Looting, which can be cast again via Flashback, Suplex will remain in your graveyard once it resolves unless you have other ways to retrieve it.

Targeted Exile vs. Mass Destruction

Vandalblast

Imagine your opponent controls several artifacts, including one with Indestructible. While Vandalblast can destroy all artifacts you don't control for its Overload cost, it cannot destroy the Indestructible one. In this scenario, you can use Suplex's second mode to target and exile that specific Indestructible artifact, removing it from the game entirely where Vandalblast would have failed.