Tainted Pact — Magic: The Gathering card

Tainted Pact

{1}{B}
Instant

Exile the top card of your library. You may put that card into your hand unless it has the same name as another card exiled this way. Repeat this process until you put a card into your hand or you exile two cards with the same name, whichever comes first.

Set Odyssey
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 2
Artist Adam Rex
Collector # 164
Scryfall

Why Play Tainted Pact

Powerful tutoring effects at two mana are rare, making this an efficient way to dig for specific answers or combo pieces when you need them most. The card shines in decks with minimal redundancy, where running only one copy of each card maximizes its effectiveness. Use it proactively when you need a specific answer to an opponent's threat, or reactively during their turn to find instant-speed responses like counterspells or removal.

Format Notes

Legacy sees the most competitive play for Tainted Pact, particularly in control decks that can afford to run singleton copies of key cards. Commander naturally accommodates the singleton restriction, making it a popular tutor option in black decks that need flexible card selection. Historic and Vintage also provide viable homes, though the card faces stiff competition from other powerful tutors in these formats.

Combos & Synergies

Laboratory Maniac and Thassa's Oracle create an instant-win condition when Tainted Pact exiles your entire library, turning the downside into a game-ending combo. Eternal Scourge provides insurance against hitting duplicate names, as you can cast it from exile to continue the search. Cards like Brainstorm help set up your library by moving duplicates away from the top, while fetchlands thin redundant lands to improve your hit rate.

Learn More

Instant Exile Commander Legacy Vintage