Topple 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
Exile target creature with the greatest power among creatures on the battlefield. (If two or more creatures are tied for greatest power, target any one of them.)
Complete guide
Topple is a classic white removal spell that punishes your opponent for having the biggest threat on the table. By targeting the strongest creature in play, it ensures that the most dangerous presence is permanently removed from the game.
Identifying the Target
When you cast Topple, you must identify which creature currently has the highest power on the battlefield. This is a targeting requirement; you cannot target a smaller creature if a larger one exists. If multiple creatures are tied for the highest power, you may choose any one of those tied creatures as your target.
The Resolution Process
Topple checks the legality of its target twice: once when it is cast and again when it attempts to resolve. If the targeted creature no longer has the greatest power when Topple tries to resolve—perhaps because another creature grew larger or the target's power was reduced—the spell will fail to resolve and be put into the graveyard with no effect.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is assuming Topple always hits 'something' even if the board state changes. Because the 'greatest power' clause is part of the targeting restriction, any change in power dynamics while the spell is on the stack can lead to a 'fizzled' spell. Always ensure your opponent has no way to buff another creature in response if you want Topple to succeed.
When to Play It
Topple is best utilized when your opponent has a singular, dominant threat that outclasses everything else. It is particularly effective in formats where creatures are exiled rather than destroyed, bypassing 'indestructible' keywords or 'death' triggers.
Interaction examples
If the only creature on the battlefield is a 5/5, that creature is technically the one with the greatest power. You cast Topple targeting that creature. Upon resolution, the 5/5 is exiled.
Sevinne's ReclamationIf Topple is in your graveyard, you can cast Sevinne's Reclamation to bring back a different permanent, but if you used Sevinne's Reclamation to return a creature that becomes the new strongest unit, a subsequent Topple from your hand must target that new arrival. Note that Topple itself is a Sorcery and cannot be returned by Sevinne's Reclamation as it is not a permanent.
Open the ArmorySuppose your opponent has a 3/3 and you have a 2/2. You use Open the Armory to find an Equipment that grants +2/+2. If you play and equip it to your 2/2, making it a 4/4, and then cast Topple, you are forced to target your own 4/4 because it now has the greatest power on the battlefield.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Topple
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
It can only target a creature with the greatest power. This means you pick such a creature on announcement, and if that creature is not still the one with greatest power on resolution, then this spell doesn’t resolve since its target is illegal.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Topple
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.