Tezzeret's Betrayal 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
Destroy target creature. You may search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Tezzeret, Master of Metal, reveal it, and put it into your hand. If you search your library this way, shuffle.
Complete guide
Tezzeret's Betrayal is a powerful utility spell that combines creature removal with a specific tutor effect. It allows Dimir players to clear the board while ensuring their planeswalker, Tezzeret, Master of Metal, is ready for the next turn.
Dual Purpose Removal
The spell functions first as a targeted destruction spell. Regardless of whether you find the named card, the primary goal is to destroy a single target creature on the battlefield. The search effect is optional, but it provides significant card advantage.
Resolution Step-by-Step
When you cast Tezzeret's Betrayal, you must choose a target creature. Upon resolution, the creature is destroyed. Then, you choose to search your library, your graveyard, or both for Tezzeret, Master of Metal. If you find the card, you reveal it and put it into your hand. Finally, if you searched your library at all, you must shuffle it.
Targeting Constraints
A common mistake involves the spell's dependency on its target. If the creature targeted by Tezzeret's Betrayal leaves the battlefield or becomes an illegal target (such as gaining Hexproof) before the spell resolves, the entire spell is removed from the stack. In this case, you do not get to search for your planeswalker.
Strategic Timing
Because this is a Sorcery, you should use it during your main phase to eliminate a blocker or a utility creature. It is best played when you have enough mana to potentially cast the Tezzeret card you just searched for, or when your graveyard contains a copy that was previously discarded or destroyed.
Interaction examples
Tezzeret, Master of MetalYou cast Tezzeret's Betrayal targeting an opponent's creature. After the creature is destroyed, you search your library for Tezzeret, Master of Metal, reveal him, and put him in your hand. This ensures you can play him on your next turn to begin draining your opponent's life.
DamnationEarlier in the game, you played Damnation to clear the board, which sent your Tezzeret, Master of Metal to the graveyard. Later, you cast Tezzeret's Betrayal. After destroying a new threat, you search your graveyard to return the planeswalker to your hand.
Living DeathIf your opponent casts Living Death and brings back a dangerous creature, you can use Tezzeret's Betrayal on your turn to destroy that specific creature and tutor for your win condition simultaneously.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Tezzeret's Betrayal
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature becomes an illegal target for Tezzeret’s Betrayal, the spell won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t search for Tezzeret, Master of Metal.
Card named in this ruling
Related cards and tokens
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Tezzeret's Betrayal
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