Chains of Mephistopheles
 
Community Rating:
0.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
Community Rating: 4.394 / 5  (52 votes)
Card Name:
Chains of Mephistopheles
Mana Cost:
1Black
Mana Value:
2
Types:
Enchantment
Card Text:
Every time a player draws a card, that player must first discard a card from his or her hand. If there are no cards in player's hand, take top card from library and place it in the graveyard instead of drawing. This enchantment does not apply to the first card drawn by a player during the draw phase.
Expansion:
Rarity:
Rare
All Sets:
Legends (Rare)
Masters Edition (Rare)
Artist:
Language:
English
Rulings
10/4/2004 The effect is cumulative. If there are two of these on the battlefield, each of them will modify each draw (after the first one if during the draw step), and will cause the player to discard or to "mill" a card from their library. As they resolve in order, the player must discard if possible. Once the player fails to discard and instead "mills" a card, all further effects of additional Chains of Mephistopheles will not do anything. This is because the "mill" also replaces the draw effect and the player is no longer drawing a card. You handle them in order. Each one makes you discard first and then continue or else mill a card and lose the draw.
10/4/2004 Cards which are drawn as a cost are affected by this card because replacement effects can alter the payment of costs.
9/16/2007 If a spell or ability would cause a player to draw multiple cards, this is treated as a number of individual "draw one card" actions. Apply the effect of Chains of Mephistopheles to each one.
9/16/2007 A player's normal card draw on their turn is exempt from this effect. All other draws will be affected.
9/16/2007 Here's what happens when Chains of Mephistopheles replaces a player's draw: — If that player has at least one card in their hand, they discard a card and then draws a card. — If that player's hand is empty, they put the top card of their library into their graveyard. The player doesn't draw a card at all.
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