Pact of Negation
Counter target spell. At the beginning of your next upkeep, pay {3}{U}{U}. If you don't, you lose the game.
Rulings (3)
Jun 7, 2013 · Although originally printed with a characteristic-defining ability that defined its color, this card now has a color indicator. This color indicator can't be affected by text-changing effects (such as the one created by Crystal Spray), although color-changing effects can still overwrite it.
Mar 19, 2021 · If Pact of Negation is countered or otherwise doesn't resolve (perhaps because its target became illegal), the delayed triggered ability that threatens you with a game loss won't trigger at the beginning of your next upkeep.
Mar 19, 2021 · If Pact of Negation resolves with a legal target but fails to counter that spell (most likely because that spell can't be countered), the delayed triggered ability will still trigger at the beginning of your next upkeep and you will have to pay. Or else.
Where it’s played now
Inclusion by archetype
| Archetype | Format | Inclusion | Copies | Decks (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neobrand | Modern | 100% | 3–4× | 28 |
| Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy | cEDH | 100% | 1× | 14 |
| Kraum, Ludevic's Opus / Tymna the Weaver | cEDH | 100% | 1× | 13 |
| Cosmo Fling | Modern | 100% | 1–4× | 8 |
| Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker / Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh | cEDH | 100% | 1× | 6 |
| Jund Burn | Modern | 100% | 4× | 5 |
| Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator / Vial Smasher the Fierce | cEDH | 100% | 1× | 4 |
| Ral, Monsoon Mage | cEDH | 100% | 1× | 4 |