Zaffai and the Tempests — ruling 1

If you cast a spell with {X} in its mana cost this way, you must choose 0 as the value of X.

Zaffai and the Tempests — ruling 2

If you cast a spell "without paying its mana cost," you can't choose to cast it for any alternative costs. You can, however, pay additional costs. If the card has any mandatory additional costs, you must pay those to cast the spell.

Zaffai and the Tempests : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Zaffai and the Tempests 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

Once during each of your turns, you may cast an instant or sorcery spell from your hand without paying its mana cost.

How it works : Zaffai and the Tempests

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1March 20, 2026· Wizards of the Coast
If you cast a spell with in its mana cost this way, you must choose 0 as the value of X.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2March 20, 2026· Wizards of the Coast
If you cast a spell "without paying its mana cost," you can't choose to cast it for any alternative costs. You can, however, pay additional costs. If the card has any mandatory additional costs, you must pay those to cast the spell.
No other card is named in this ruling.