Printings
Archive Trap
Card Information
Type: Instant — Trap
Mana Cost: 3
CMC: 5
Part of the Reserved List: No
Color Identity:
Set: Zendikar (ZEN)
Rarity: Rare
Collector Number: 41
Oracle Text
If an opponent searched their library this turn, you may pay {0} rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Target opponent mills thirteen cards.
Keywords
Format Legalities
Card Rulings
- October 1, 2009
A spell or ability causes a player to search their library only if it specifically contains the word “search” in its text. For example, if a spell or ability lets a player look at the top four cards of their library and do something with one of those cards, that’s not a search.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
Archive Trap checks only whether an opponent searched their library. It doesn’t matter whether that player found a card during the search.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
You may ignore a Trap’s alternative cost condition and simply cast it for its normal mana cost. This is true even if its alternative cost condition has been met.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
Casting a Trap by paying its alternative cost doesn’t change its mana cost or mana value. The only difference is the cost you actually pay.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
If the targeted opponent has fewer than thirteen cards in their library, that player puts their entire library into their graveyard.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
If a search effect is affected by Aven Mindcensor’s ability (which causes a player to search the top four cards of their library instead), that still counts as searching that library.
Source: wotc - October 1, 2009
The opponent you target doesn’t have to be the opponent who searched their library.
Source: wotc
Price History
To study a single card is to glimpse the heart of a spell - a frozen moment of ambition, artistry, and arcane intent. Within each glyph lies a spark: a story untold, a duel turned, a destiny altered. Treat it not as mere parchment, dear seeker, but as a shard of the Multiverse itself.