Archfiend of the Dross + Exchange of Words
Produces: Target opponent loses the game at the beginning of their next upkeep
- Color identity
- UB
- Mana
- {1}{U}{U}
Prerequisites
An opponent controls a creature with less than two oil counters.
Steps
- Cast Exchange of Words by paying {1}{U}{U}.
- Exchange of Words enters the battlefield, swapping the text boxes of Archfiend of the Dross and an opposing creature that does not have more than one oil counter on it.
- At the beginning of the opposing creature's controller's next upkeep, their creature triggers, causing them to remove an oil counter from that creature and lose the game.
How to execute this combo
The "Archfiend of the Dross + Exchange of Words" combo takes 3 steps in order. Make sure you have the mana open and permanents listed in the prerequisites before you start — opponents can respond between steps.
The end result: Target opponent loses the game at the beginning of their next upkeep.
Practice the line offline: lay out the cards, walk through each step, and note where you can lose the combo (summoning sickness, lack of priority, removal on a key permanent). In game, announce each step clearly; in casual play you can offer to shortcut after demonstrating the loop.
The best window is a turn when opponents are tapped out or after they commit a spell — hold protection (a counter, Vexing Shusher) if the combo wins on the spot.