Sphinx's Decree MTG Card

Glean an advantage as Sphinx’s Decree can leave foes with unusable cards, disrupting their strategy. This card’s preemptive casting mirrors an instant’s impact, shaping the game to your favor. Its effectiveness hinges on timing, as improper use can result in minimal game influence.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Rare
Type	Sorcery
Released	2018-01-19
Set symbol
Set name	Rivals of Ixalan
Set code	RIX
Number	24
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daarken

Text of card

Each opponent can't cast instant or sorcery spells during that player's next turn.

"Be still." —Azor

Cards like Sphinx's Decree

Sphinx’s Decree adds a unique twist on control spells within Magic: The Gathering, resonating with cards like Silence that also inhibits actions from opponents. Unlike Silence, which silences opponents only for a turn, Sphinx’s Decree specifies a particular type of action—casting spells during the next turn—which can strategically disrupt opponents’ plans. However, Sphinx’s Decree lacks the immediacy of Silence, as it requires setup during your own turn.

Another card to consider in this domain is Orim’s Chant. Both cards prevent opponents from casting spells, with Orim’s Chant doing so at instant speed and with the option to stop creatures from attacking that turn if kicked. This gives it more flexibility compared to Sphinx’s Decree, which only stops casting for the following turn. Lastly, Render Silent provides a counterspell combined with Silence’s effect, stopping not just the spell at hand but also the casting of any other spells during that turn, offering immediate and powerful control.

In evaluation, while Sphinx’s Decree has its merits and can introduce strategic advantages, particularly in commander or similar formats where timing and precision play are critical, it faces strong competition from faster and more versatile control spells.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sphinx’s Decree sets the stage for strategic plays by forcing each opponent to cease playing specific card types on their next turn, potentially leaving them with uncastable cards in hand, effectively generating card advantage for you.

Resource Acceleration: While this particular card does not directly provide resource acceleration, it plays a pivotal role in disrupting your opponents’ resource management. By limiting their plays, you can indirectly expedite your own game plan without interference.

Instant Speed: Although Sphinx’s Decree is a sorcery, its pre-emptive nature can be comparable to an instant’s impact. Playing this card at the right moment can instantaneously alter the pace of the game, giving you a critical window to execute your strategy unhindered on the following turns.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sphinx’s Decree doesn’t technically require discarding as a cost, but it demands a very specific board state to be truly effective. If you cannot maintain control of the game until your next turn, its potential impact severely diminishes.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring one white and one colorless mana, Sphinx’s Decree could be restrictive in multicolor decks that are not heavily white-orientated. It may compete for mana resources with other essential spells in your deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card sets you back two mana for an effect that does not immediately impact the board and might not yield the desired control if your opponents can play around it. There are other options available for proactive creature management or protection that cost less and may provide more immediate value.

Reasons to Include Sphinx’s Decree in Your Collection

Versatility: Sphinx’s Decree adds a strategic element to white-control and combo decks. Its ability to halt opponents’ actions can swing the momentum of the game, and it fits seamlessly into various control strategies.

Combo Potential: As a piece in a larger toolbox, Sphinx’s Decree can synchronize with cards that benefit from opponents being unable to cast spells. It helps protect combo pieces or sets up a turn where you can execute your strategy without interruption.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where players rely heavily on casting crucial spells during their turn, Sphinx’s Decree can disrupt those plans and give you a significant advantage. It’s particularly useful when the meta is saturated with decks that have critical turn sequences.

How to beat Sphinx’s Decree

Sphinx’s Decree is a unique spell in Magic: The Gathering that prevents opponents from casting any spells during their next turn. It’s like a silent alarm, ensuring your adversary stays put while you forge ahead. To counteract this spell, players must be strategic, holding onto their instant-speed interaction or spells with flexibility. This is where the value of being reactionary comes to light. In dealing with such restrictions, cards with cycling or flash abilities can be pivotal, allowing you to respond effectively outside of your own turn.

With Sphinx’s Decree, timing is everything. To outpace this stifling decree, consider advancing your board presence preemptively, laying down threats before the Decree locks down your next turn. Alternatively, instant-speed removal or counterspells are valuable assets in response to it being cast. By maintaining open mana and the right cards in hand, Sphinx’s Decree can transform from a disruptive force to merely a speed bump on your road to victory.

In essence, dancing around Sphinx’s Decree requires foresight and smart resource management, making it a test of wit for any accomplished player. Keeping your cool and adapting with flexible strategies will ensure that the Decree’s silence is met with a resounding triumph on your part.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sphinx's Decree MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Sphinx's Decree and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sphinx's Decree has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sphinx's Decree card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2018-01-19	If multiple effects say that an opponent can’t cast instant or sorcery spells during that player’s next turn, they all apply to the same turn.