Tsabo's DecreeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing and Destroying

When you cast Tsabo's Decree, you target a player. You do not choose the creature type until the spell actually resolves. Once it begins resolving, you name a creature type (like Elf or Eldrazi), and the targeted player must reveal their entire hand. All creature cards in their hand sharing that type are discarded. Immediately after, every creature of that type they control on the battlefield is destroyed. Notably, these creatures cannot be regenerated, bypassing shields from spells or abilities.

Resolution Order

The spell follows a specific sequence: target, reveal/discard, then destroy. Because the choice of creature type happens during resolution, your opponent cannot wait to see what you pick before deciding to cast a creature from their hand in response. Once you've named the type, it is too late for them to react. If the targeted player becomes an illegal target (for example, by gaining hexproof), the entire spell fails and no one reveals their hand or loses creatures.

Strategic Timing

As an instant, Tsabo's Decree is best used during an opponent's end step or in response to a spell that would benefit from having many creatures of a certain type on the board. Since it also affects the hand, it serves as valuable information gathering, letting you see exactly what other threats like Ad Nauseam might be lurking in their grip.

Interaction examples

The Eldrazi Extinction

Not of This World

If your opponent controls a massive Eldrazi creature and you cast Tsabo's Decree targeting them, naming 'Eldrazi', they may attempt to cast Not of This World for free to counter it. Since Tsabo's Decree targets the player and not the creature itself, Not of This World cannot target or counter Tsabo's Decree. The spell will resolve, the player will discard any Eldrazi in hand, and their 7+ power creature will be destroyed without the chance to regenerate.

Peeking at the Combo

Ad Nauseam

Imagine your opponent has just resolved Ad Nauseam and drawn half their library. You cast Tsabo's Decree naming a common creature type in their deck (such as Human). They must reveal their massive hand; all Humans found there are discarded, and any Humans on the board are destroyed. This effectively neuters the advantage they gained from Ad Nauseam by removing their board presence and their backup threats simultaneously.