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Sudden Substitution, art by Noah Bradley
Art by Noah Bradley · ™ & © Wizards of the Coast · image via Scryfall
Selected printing · USD
$4.92
checked Jun 14, 2026 · Scryfall
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Sudden Substitution

{2}{U}{U} · Instant

Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.) Exchange control of target noncreature spell and target creature. Then the spell's controller may choose new targets for it.

Rulings (13)

Aug 23, 2019 · If the target spell or the target creature is an illegal target as Sudden Substitution resolves, the exchange won't happen. If both targets are legal but are both controlled by the same player, the exchange won't happen.

Aug 23, 2019 · If a permanent spell is exchanged this way, its new controller will control the permanent it becomes.

Aug 23, 2019 · A mana ability is an ability that produces mana, not an ability that costs mana.

Aug 23, 2019 · In a multiplayer game, if the controller of one of the objects leaves the game after Sudden Substitution resolves, the effect that gave them control of the spell or permanent expires. If the spell is still on the stack, the player who gains control of it this way can't choose new targets for it.

Aug 23, 2019 · If the exchange doesn't happen but the spell is still a legal target, its controller may choose new targets for it.

Aug 23, 2019 · The exchange lasts indefinitely. It doesn't expire for the spell if the creature changes zones or leaves the game, or vice versa.

Aug 23, 2019 · The noncreature spell is still on the stack after exchanging control, and the creature is still on the battlefield.

Mar 19, 2021 · After a spell with split second resolves (or otherwise leaves the stack), players may again cast spells and activate abilities before the next object on the stack resolves.

Mar 19, 2021 · Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack; their options are just limited to mana abilities and certain special actions.

Mar 19, 2021 · Split second doesn't stop triggered abilities from triggering, such as that of Chalice of the Void. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and chooses targets for it, if any. Those abilities will resolve as normal.

Mar 19, 2021 · Players may turn face-down creatures face up while a spell with split second is on the stack.

Mar 19, 2021 · If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that spell can't be cast if a spell with split second is on the stack.

Mar 19, 2021 · Casting a spell with split second won't affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.

LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
ModernNot legal
PioneerNot legal
StandardNot legal
PauperNot legal
PremodernNot legal
cEDHLegal

Where it’s played now

Inclusion by archetype

% of archetype's lists running it · last 30 days · n=21 decks
ArchetypeFormatInclusionCopiesDecks (n)
Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh / Silas Renn, Seeker AdeptcEDH33.3%3
Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker / Rograkh, Son of RohgahhcEDH16.7%6
AlurenLegacy8.3%12
Data as of Jun 14, 2026 · MTGO + papercasthaven.com

Price

Sudden Substitution — price trend

Daily cheapest printing · USD · last 90 days · n=2 snapshots
Data as of Jun 14, 2026 · Scryfallcasthaven.com

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