Wicked PactHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Wicked Pact is a sorcery that targets two nonblack creatures and destroys them. Unlike many other removal spells that offer flexibility, this card specifically requires exactly two targets to be cast. The secondary effect is a mandatory loss of 5 life for you, the caster, which happens regardless of whether the creatures actually hit the graveyard, provided the spell resolves.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, when you cast Wicked Pact, you must choose two legal nonblack creatures as targets; if there are fewer than two nonblack creatures on the battlefield, you cannot cast the spell at all. During resolution, the game checks if the targets are still legal. If at least one target is still legal, the spell resolves, destroying the legal target(s) and causing you to lose 5 life. If both targets become illegal before resolution (for example, if they gain protection or are sacrificed), the entire spell is countered by the rules and you do not lose any life.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to cast Wicked Pact when only one creature is a threat; because the card says 'two target nonblack creatures,' you cannot choose only one. Another mistake is forgetting that the life loss is not a cost but part of the effect. This means if you are at 5 or less life, casting this spell could lead to your own defeat as the spell finishes resolving. Lastly, remember that this spell cannot target black creatures, even if they have other colors.

When to Play It

Wicked Pact is best utilized in aggressive or midrange decks where your life total is a resource you can afford to spend to maintain board control. It is particularly effective against decks that rely on nonblack utility creatures or heavy hitters. Since it is a sorcery, you must plan your turn carefully to ensure you aren't leaving yourself too vulnerable after the life loss.

Interaction examples

Double Removal with a Penalty

You target your opponent's two nonblack creatures. Upon resolution, both creatures are destroyed and put into their owner's graveyard. You then lose 5 life. If one of those creatures had indestructible, it would stay on the battlefield, but you would still lose the 5 life.

Finding Your Solution

Demonic Tutor

If your opponent has two dangerous nonblack creatures and you need a way to stop them, you can use Demonic Tutor to search your library for Wicked Pact. After putting it into your hand and shuffling, you can cast it to clear the board, provided you have the 3 mana and at least 5 life to spare.

Life as a Resource

Toxic Deluge

Managing your life total is crucial when using these cards together. If you use Toxic Deluge and pay a large amount of life to clear a wide board, you must ensure you still have enough life to survive the 5 life loss from a subsequent Wicked Pact used to pick off survivors later in the game.