
Archive Trap
If an opponent searched their library this turn, you may pay {0} rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Target opponent mills thirteen cards.
Rulings (8)
Oct 1, 2009 · A spell or ability causes a player to search their library only if it specifically contains the word “search” in its text. For example, if a spell or ability lets a player look at the top four cards of their library and do something with one of those cards, that’s not a search.
Oct 1, 2009 · Archive Trap checks only whether an opponent searched their library. It doesn’t matter whether that player found a card during the search.
Oct 1, 2009 · You may ignore a Trap’s alternative cost condition and simply cast it for its normal mana cost. This is true even if its alternative cost condition has been met.
Oct 1, 2009 · Casting a Trap by paying its alternative cost doesn’t change its mana cost or mana value. The only difference is the cost you actually pay.
Oct 1, 2009 · Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.
Oct 1, 2009 · If the targeted opponent has fewer than thirteen cards in their library, that player puts their entire library into their graveyard.
Oct 1, 2009 · If a search effect is affected by Aven Mindcensor’s ability (which causes a player to search the top four cards of their library instead), that still counts as searching that library.
Oct 1, 2009 · The opponent you target doesn’t have to be the opponent who searched their library.
Where it’s played now
Inclusion by archetype
| Archetype | Format | Inclusion | Copies | Decks (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mill | Modern | 100% | 4× | 16 |
| Countervine | Vintage | 50% | 2× | 8 |
| Mono White Stompy | Legacy | 37.5% | 1× | 8 |
| Izzet Wizards | Modern | 7.1% | 4× | 14 |
| Death & Taxes | Legacy | 3% | 1× | 33 |
| Tron | Legacy | 2.1% | 1× | 145 |