Phyrexian mana
| Phyrexian Mana | |
|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:P.svg}}|70x70px]] | |
| Mechanic | |
| Introduced | New Phyrexia |
| Last used | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
| Statistics |
37 cards  13.5%  13.5%  16.2%  16.2%  13.5%  2.7%  24.3% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| fulloracle:"or 2 life\..*\)" | |
Phyrexian mana symbols (
, 
, 
, 
, 
) were introduced in New Phyrexia as a novel mechanic.[1][2] It reappeared in Unstable, Commander 2019 and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty. Phyrexian mana is a cost, you can’t generate it.[3]
Description
The Phyrexian mana symbols are represented by the Greek letter "phi" (ϕ) on colored backgrounds, and denote a cost that may be paid with either 2 life or mana of the color of the background color of the symbol. The generic 
symbol is used in rules text for any of the five Phyrexian mana symbols.
Magic Head Designer Mark Rosewater noted that Phyrexian mana is similar to normal mana costs but affords additional flexibility to players, allowing them to reduce costs as well as to play with effects from other colors of the Color Pie.[4]
Phyrexian mana returned to Standard in Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, in the form of Phyrexian hybrid mana, alongside a new mechanic Compleated.
Phyrexian Hybrid
Phyrexian hybrid mana was introduced in Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, where it was merged with hybrid mana. A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol represents a cost that can be paid with one mana of either of its component colors or by paying 2 life.
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Phyrexian Mana Symbol
- A mana symbol that represents a cost that can be paid either by spending colored mana or by paying life. See rule 107.4.
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Phyrexian Symbol
- A symbol used in rules text to represent any of the five Phyrexian mana symbols. See rule 107.4g.
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 107.4f Phyrexian mana symbols are colored mana symbols: {W/P} is white, {U/P} is blue, {B/P} is black, {R/P} is red, and {G/P} is green. A Phyrexian mana symbol represents a cost that can be paid either with one mana of its color or by paying 2 life. There are also ten hybrid Phyrexian mana symbols. A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol represents a cost that can be paid with one mana of either of its component colors or by paying 2 life. A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol is both of its component colors.
Example: {W/P}{W/P} can be paid by spending {W}{W}, by spending {W} and paying 2 life, or by paying 4 life.
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 107.4g In rules text, the Phyrexian symbol {P} with no colored background means any of the fifteen Phyrexian mana symbols.
Trivia
- Phyrexian mana was featured as rules card 1 of 4 in the New Phyrexia set.
- Spike, Tournament Grinder is the only silver-bordered card utilizing Phyrexian mana.
- Defiler of Dreams has a lengthy colored-mana reducing ability, but may be easier thought of having "Turn a into a for your blue permanent spells ".
See also
- Hybrid mana, which can also be paid in two ways
References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (April, 2011). "New Phyrexia Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Steve Sadin (May 3, 2011). "Things to Do with Phyrexian Mana". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 13, 2022). "Can we expect a cycle of completed lands?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 25, 2011). "Phyrexian Powers: International Mana Mystery". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.