A powerful card advantage engine that turns every opponent's card draw into asymmetric value for you. Control and midrange decks leverage its ability to generate massive card advantage while presenting a meaningful flying threat that must be answered. The sphinx shines in multiplayer formats where opponents naturally draw more cards, and it's particularly effective when played after establishing some board control or protection.
Format Notes
Commander represents its strongest showing, where the multiplayer nature and higher life totals create ideal conditions for maximum value extraction. Legacy and Vintage see occasional play in control shells, though the six-mana cost competes with other powerful threats in those formats. Modern applications are limited due to the format's speed, but it can appear in slower blue-based strategies as a top-end threat and card advantage piece.
Combos & Synergies
Pairs excellently with Teferi's Puzzle Box to force opponents into massive card draw while you reap double the benefit from their draws. Windfall and other wheel effects become significantly more powerful when opponents must give you additional cards for each one they draw. Flash enablers like Leyline of Anticipation allow for devastating end-of-turn deployment, maximizing the cards drawn before opponents can respond with removal.
