One of the strengths of Vendilion Clique is its versatility: you can surprise block an unsuspecting creature, cycle away a card in your hand, or take a peek at what your opponent is up to. Indeed, because it has flash, you can even cast it in response to an opponent’s activated or triggered ability. This is good news for you if your opponent has a miracle, for example, since you can pluck that card away after it’s been revealed. Even though your opponent will get to draw a card, she won’t get to cast the card with miracle, since at the time the ability would give her permission to cast it, it’s no longer in her hand.

Things get a little more interesting if your opponent has Stoneforge Mystic or Aether Vial. You can cast Vendilion Clique in response to the activation, look at your opponent’s hand, and tuck whatever threatening thing you’re worried about. However, bear in mind that if your opponent has another card with the relevant characteristics, (including the one drawn off the Clique’s ability), he can still put a card onto the battlefield anyway. You can’t just wait to see what he puts down, either – by then the ability is already resolving, and it’s too late for your tricky Clique to snatch that card away.

Today’s Rules Tip written by Jen Wong