EDH: Discover 10 Incredible Spells with Split Second!

Have you ever heard of split second?

Introduced in the Time Spiral set, this keyword gives a huge advantage to whoever casts it - it guarantees it can't be countered or answered.

As the years went on, Wizards of the Coast released many spells with split second. They are great with all colors and interact with different themes.

In this article, we'll show you the top 10 best spells with split second! If you don't know this mechanic, don't worry. Before we dive into our list, we'll teach you its rules and show you how we built this list.

Let's go!

To sum up, you can't answer a spell with split second with a card like Counterspell.

According to the the rules (consulted in October 2024), this is how split second works:

“702.61a Split second is a static ability that functions only while the spell with split second is on the stack. “Split second” means “As long as this spell is on the stack, players can’t cast other spells or activate abilities that aren’t mana abilities.”

702.61b Players may activate mana abilities and take special actions while a spell with split second is on the stack. Triggered abilities trigger and are put on the stack as normal while a spell with split second is on the stack.

702.61c Multiple instances of split second on the same spell are redundant.”

Furthermore, there are many types of split second spells. They can be instants, enchantments, or even creatures.

Here are a few split second spells with different effects that we didn't add to our list:

We used the information available in Scryfall's EDHRec ranking to check how popular each card is. We also reviewed their effects.

Besides introducing them, we'll also show you how to use them.

10. Sudden Edict

Of course, the first black creature with split second in our list just had to have synergy with creature sacrifice!

Similar to cards like Diabolic Edict and Geth's Verdict, Sudden Edict is a low-cost option that you can use to force someone to sacrifice a creature.

9. Siege Smash

Let's see an option with different modes?

You can use Siege Smash to remove an artifact or buff a creature with trample and +3/+2 until the end of the turn.

Most cards with split second feature artworks "split" in the middle. This is one of the funniest of them because on one side there's a wooden tower (an artifact), and on the other what seems to be an incredibly irritated giant destroying one of the tower's walls to escape (and literally trampling down anything in its path).

8. Inventory Management

Do you play Voltron Boros? Then you need to meet Inventory Management!

This spell is a great upgrade regardless if your deck focuses on auras or equipment.

For two mana , this instant lets you attach each aura and equipment you control to a target creature. It is an interesting spell that you can use to answer an opponent's play, whether you're attacking or trying to protect something that they tried to remove.

Imagine how cool it is to pay only and attach a Hammer of Nazahn, Kaldra Compleat, and Eldrazi Conscription to a creature that can win the game for you!

If you enjoy this game style, check out our Commander deck guide on Eivor, Battle-Ready!

7. Trickbind

Countering a problematic ability is great, but doing so with a card that can't be countered in this situation is even better.

With Trickbind in your deck, you can counter a target activated or triggered ability. If it is a permanent, their activated abilities can't be used on that turn.

It is a great way to buy some time while looking for a removal to deal with that threat for good.

6. Sudden Substitution

If you, like many other players, thrive in chaos, Sudden Substitution is the card for you.

With this spell, you'll dazzle your opponents by exchanging control of target noncreature spell and target creature in play. After Sudden Substitution resolves, that noncreature spell will resolve as usual according to the stack.

5. V.A.T.S

The arch enemy of token decks is here!

V.A.T.S. is a removal that interacts with creatures with equal toughness.

Example: if your opponent controls five 1/1 Spirit tokens, you can cast V.A.T.S. targeting all five tokens. Then, you'll destroy them.

In rare cases, if those legal targets no longer have the same toughness (in this case, 1), when you try to resolve this spell, it will fail. This way, you won't destroy any of the creatures you picked.

4. Legolas's Quick Reflexes

Legolas's Quick Reflexes, besides being a very welcome protection, conquered the hearts of many players because it costs very little and its effect is great.

This card is included in more than 35,000 decks, and that's only considering Commander decks in EDHRec. Imagine how destructive this card is in Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief's deck in this format?

Even players who have never heard of the Lord of the Rings need to know this spell!

3. Angel's Grace

You've probably seen someone using this spell before. After all, Angel's Grace is a key card in many combos - you just need an Ad Nauseam and that's it!

If you're curious about this spell, check out more combos with this card here at our combo tab!

As this instant "locks down" a turn, as in, your opponents can't win and you can't lose (quite similar to Platinum Angel), the fact it has split second makes a lot of sense. It buys you some time so you can turn the game around (or win it with a combo).

2. Sudden Spoiling

Sudden Spoiling hurts any opponent's feelings.

For just three mana, you'll remove the abilities of a target player's creatures and set their power and toughness to 0/2. Any creatures that enter play after this spell resolves are not affected by its effect.

When you play it well, this card gives you a great advantage, and can even be the difference between winning and losing.

1. Krosan Grip

This is our most iconic card with split second: Krosan Grip!

This is an honest green spell that destroys a target artifact or enchantment, and leaves no room for your opponent to answer it with a Negate they've been saving.

With it, you can remove annoying, key-cards from play, like Portal to Phyrexia, Phyrexian Altar, and even the popular Shadowspear.

Split Second is an incredibly interesting keyword that gives many benefits to whoever casts a spell with it. However, like all MTG spells, they're not invincible.

This mechanic is not featured in every set, but, when it is, it always brings us something new, exciting, and usually great for any deck.

Do you agree with our picks? Do you use any of these cards in your decks? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!