Shard of the Nightbringer + Archfiend of Despair
Produces: Infinite lifeloss for target opponent, Target opponent loses the game
- Color identity
- B
- Mana
- {5}{B}{B}{B}
Steps
- Cast Shard of the Nightbringer by paying {5}{B}{B}{B}.
- Shard of the Nightbringer triggers, causing an opponent to lose half their life total, rounded up, and you to gain life equal to the life lost this way.
- At the beginning of your end step, Archfiend of Despair triggers, causing each opponent to lose life equal to the life they lost this turn.
- The opponent targeted in step 2 loses the game due to having zero or less life.
How to execute this combo
The "Shard of the Nightbringer + Archfiend of Despair" combo takes 4 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: Infinite lifeloss for target opponent, Target opponent loses the game.
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.