Sygg's Command — ruling 1

If the copied permanent has {X} in its mana cost, X is 0.

Sygg's Command — ruling 2

Any enters abilities of the copied permanent will trigger when the token enters. Any "as [this permanent] enters" or "[this permanent] enters with" abilities of the copied permanent will also work.

Sygg's Command — ruling 3

While it appears only on cards that already have other card types, kindred is a card type and will be counted by effects that refer to the number of card types among cards in a zone.

Sygg's Command — ruling 4

If the copied permanent is copying something else, then the token enters as whatever that permanent copied.

Sygg's Command — ruling 5

Kindred is a card type that allows noncreature cards to have creature types. For example, Morcant's Eyes is an Elf (although not a creature) while on the battlefield and an Elf card (although not a creature card) in zones other than the battlefield.

Sygg's Command — ruling 6

If the copied permanent is a token, the token that's created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.

Sygg's Command — ruling 7

Some older cards were originally printed with the "tribal" card type. That card type has been replaced with "kindred." This change does not affect the gameplay function of these cards.

Sygg's Command — ruling 8

One or more stun counters on a permanent create a single replacement effect that stops the permanent from untapping. That effect is "If a permanent with a stun counter on it would become untapped, instead remove a stun counter from it."

Sygg's Command : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Sygg's Command 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

Choose two — • Create a token that's a copy of target Merfolk you control. • Creatures target player controls gain lifelink until end of turn. • Target player draws a card. • Tap target creature. Put a stun counter on it.

Complete guide

Sygg's Command is a versatile Kindred Sorcery that brings the strategic depth of the Merfolk tribe to the forefront. By offering a choice of two distinct effects, it allows players to adapt to the battlefield, whether they need to reinforce their ranks or stall an opponent's momentum. As a Kindred card, it even interacts with effects that care about Merfolk cards in your graveyard or hand.

A Multitude of Choices

When you cast Sygg's Command, you must choose exactly two of its four modes. You can create a copy of a Merfolk you control, grant lifelink to a player's creatures, draw a card, or lock down a creature with a stun counter. Because the spell requires targets for several of these modes, you must declare those targets as you cast the spell. If any of the chosen targets become illegal before the spell resolves, the spell will still attempt to carry out the remaining effects for the legal targets.

Understanding the Copy Process

The first mode creates a token that is a copy of a Merfolk you control. This token copies the base characteristics of the Merfolk as printed, including its name, mana cost, types, and abilities. It does not copy temporary effects like +1/+1 counters, Auras, or power-boosting spells. If you copy a creature that is already a token, the new token will have the same original characteristics as the first token. If the Merfolk you are copying has an 'enters the battlefield' ability, that ability will trigger when your new token arrives.

Strategic Stun Counters

The final mode allows you to tap a creature and place a stun counter on it. A stun counter creates a replacement effect: if that permanent would become untapped, you instead remove a stun counter from it. This means the creature will miss its next untap opportunity, typically during the controller's next untap step. Note that you can target a creature that is already tapped; you will still put a stun counter on it, ensuring it stays down even longer.

When to Cast

As a Sorcery, Sygg's Command is best used during your main phase to set up a favorable combat or to dig for answers. If you have a powerful Merfolk with a triggered ability, copying it can double your value. Alternatively, if you are facing an aggressive deck, using the lifelink mode on your own creatures while stunning their biggest threat can provide a massive swing in life totals.

Interaction examples

Doubling Down on Merfolk

Sygg's Command Copy

Copy

You cast Sygg's Command choosing the first and third modes. You target a Merfolk you control and yourself. Upon resolution, you first create a Copy token of your Merfolk. Immediately after, you draw a card. If the Merfolk you copied has an ability that triggers when a creature enters, your new token will trigger that ability.

Recovering from the Graveyard

Sygg's Command

Sevinne's Reclamation

Because Sygg's Command has a mana value of 3 and is a permanent card (thanks to the Kindred type making it a Merfolk card, but wait—actually, Sygg's Command is a Sorcery, so it is not a permanent). Correction: Sevinne's Reclamation targets permanent cards. Sygg's Command is a Kindred Sorcery, meaning it is a Merfolk card but not a permanent card. Therefore, it cannot be targeted by Sevinne's Reclamation. However, it will count as both a 'Sorcery' and a 'Merfolk' card type in your graveyard for effects like Delirium.

Managing Resources

Sygg's Command

Windfall

In a scenario where your hand is empty, you might cast Sygg's Command choosing the 'draw a card' mode and the 'tap/stun' mode. By drawing a card first, you increase your hand size by one before casting Windfall, potentially increasing the number of cards every player discards and draws.

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

How it works : Sygg's Command

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent has in its mana cost, X is 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Any enters abilities of the copied permanent will trigger when the token enters. Any "as [this permanent] enters" or "[this permanent] enters with" abilities of the copied permanent will also work.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
While it appears only on cards that already have other card types, kindred is a card type and will be counted by effects that refer to the number of card types among cards in a zone.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent is copying something else, then the token enters as whatever that permanent copied.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#5November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Kindred is a card type that allows noncreature cards to have creature types. For example, Morcant's Eyes is an Elf (although not a creature) while on the battlefield and an Elf card (although not a creature card) in zones other than the battlefield.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied permanent is a token, the token that's created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Some older cards were originally printed with the "tribal" card type. That card type has been replaced with "kindred." This change does not affect the gameplay function of these cards.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
One or more stun counters on a permanent create a single replacement effect that stops the permanent from untapping. That effect is "If a permanent with a stun counter on it would become untapped, instead remove a stun counter from it."
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
The token created by the first mode of Sygg's Command copies exactly what was printed on the original permanent and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn't copy whether that permanent is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#10November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If all of Sygg's Command's targets are illegal as it tries to resolve, it will do nothing. If at least one target is still legal, it will resolve and do as much as it can.
No other card is named in this ruling.