Skewer the Critics
Spectacle {R} (You may cast this spell for its spectacle cost rather than its mana cost if an opponent lost life this turn.) Skewer the Critics deals 3 damage to any target.
Rulings (6)
Jan 12, 2024 · In a multiplayer game, if an opponent loses life and later that turn leaves the game, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost. (If a player leaves the game during their turn, that turn continues without an active player.)
Jan 12, 2024 · To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as a spectacle cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.
Jan 12, 2024 · Damage dealt to a player causes that player to lose that much life.
Jan 12, 2024 · Spectacle doesn't change when you can cast the spell. For example, you can't cast a sorcery with spectacle during an opponent's turn unless another effect allows you to do so, even if that player has lost life this turn.
Jan 12, 2024 · Spectacle cares only that an opponent lost life during the turn, not that the opponent's life total is currently lower than it was. For example, if an opponent loses 1 life and then gains 2 life in the same turn, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost that turn.
Jan 12, 2024 · A card's spectacle cost is the same no matter how much life your opponents lost or how many opponents lost life.
Where it’s played now
Inclusion by archetype
| Archetype | Format | Inclusion | Copies | Decks (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naya Ritual | Modern | 100% | 4× | 1 |
| Boros Aggro | Modern | 98% | 3–4× | 50 |
| Mono Red Aggro | Modern | 60% | 4× | 5 |
| Burn | Legacy | 50% | 3× | 2 |
| Rakdos Aggro | Modern | 7.1% | 4× | 14 |