Hypnotic Specter

Creature - Specter 2/2, 1BB (3)
Flying (This creature can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach.)
Whenever Hypnotic Specter deals damage to an opponent, that player discards a card at random.¹
"...There was no trace/ Of aught on that illumined face..." -Samuel Coleridge, "Phantom"
Illus. Douglas Shuler

Crystal Keep Rulings Summaries

• Must do at least 1 point of damage to cause opponent to discard because the effect only happens if at least 1 damage remains unprevented. [WotC Rules Team 1994/02/07]
• If damage is redirected to opponent by some spell or ability and is not prevented, opponent must discard a card as if they were attacked directly. Equally, if damage is redirected away from the player, no card needs to be discarded. [WotC Rules Team 1994/02/07]
• Extended tournaments (see Rule 803) banned this card from 1997/10/01 until 2005/08/20.
• Note - The artist's name, Shuler, was misspelled on the Limited Edition and Unlimited Edition versions of this card.

Format Legality	Legal in Vintage, Legacy, Extended, Standard
Printings (9/38)	Tenth Edition (Rare) 2006 Player Rewards Promos (Special) Core Set - Ninth Edition (Rare) Anthologies (Special) Fourth Edition (Uncommon) Unlimited Edition (Uncommon) → View All