Aether Storm + Pithing Needle
Produces: Players can't cast creature spells, Lock
- Aether Storm
- Pithing Needle
- Color identity
- U
Prerequisites
"Aether Storm" chosen with Pithing Needle.
Steps
- Aether Storm prevents creature spells from being cast.
- Because Pithing Needle prevents Aether Storm's activated ability from being activated, it cannot be destroyed due to its ability.
How to execute this combo
The "Aether Storm + Pithing Needle" combo takes 2 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: Players can't cast creature spells, Lock.
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.