Unsubtle Mockery 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
Unsubtle Mockery deals 4 damage to target creature. Surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.)
Complete guide
Unsubtle Mockery is a straightforward red instant that pairs direct damage with strategic deck filtering. It allows you to deal with a problematic threat on the board while simultaneously setting up your future draws or fueling your graveyard.
A Punch and a Peek
When you cast Unsubtle Mockery, you choose a target creature to take 4 damage. After the damage is dealt, the spell instructs you to Surveil 1, which means you look at the top card of your library and decide whether to leave it there or send it to your graveyard. This secondary effect is excellent for digging for land or getting rid of a card that is not useful in the current board state.
Order of Operations
The resolution of this spell follows the exact order of its text. First, the 4 damage is marked on the target creature. Second, you perform the Surveil action. Note that the damage happens before you surveil; however, since state-based actions (like a creature dying from lethal damage) aren't checked until a spell has finished resolving, the creature is still technically on the battlefield while you are looking at your top card.
Targeting Troubles
A common mistake involves assuming the Surveil happens regardless of what happens to the creature. Because Unsubtle Mockery has a single target, if that creature leaves the battlefield or gains Hexproof in response to the spell, the entire spell is removed from the stack and fails to resolve. In this scenario, you do not get to Surveil 1.
When to Cast
As an instant, this card is best used during your opponent's turn or in response to a block. If you are looking for a specific card, casting it during the end step of the player acting before you ensures you have the best information for your upcoming draw phase.
Interaction examples
Deflecting SwatIf you target a creature with Unsubtle Mockery and an opponent casts Deflecting Swat, they can change the target to another legal creature, such as one of your own. The spell will resolve against the new target, dealing 4 damage and then allowing you (the controller of Unsubtle Mockery) to Surveil 1.
Chaos WarpSuppose you cast Unsubtle Mockery targeting a creature. In response, another player casts Chaos Warp on that same creature. Chaos Warp resolves first, shuffling the creature into its owner's library. When Unsubtle Mockery tries to resolve, it finds its target missing. The spell is 'fizzled' by the rules; it is put into the graveyard without dealing damage and without you getting to Surveil.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Unsubtle Mockery
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature is an illegal target as Unsubtle Mockery tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't surveil.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Unsubtle Mockery
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.