phyrexian mana - giving more than needed?

Asked by brcap 10 years ago

Background: For builds that benefit from self harm, ie. Death's Shadow

Question: Can I give more life than required when casting or activating abilities using phyrexian mana?

Immolating Souleater is straightforward.. I can give till i die. But could I pay 10 life to cast a Gut Shot? Or pay 10 life to activate the phyrexian mana component of Hex Parasite (being separate from the X cost) even though this is much more than required?

GreatSword says... #1

You may only pay 2 life for Gut Shot, as the its cost is only 1 Phyrexian Red, just like you can't pay RRRRR for it.

Hex Parasite's ability is different. From the card's Gatherer entry:

• You may choose a value for X that's greater than the number of counters on the targeted permanent. However, Hex Parasite only gets the bonus for counters actually removed.

December 9, 2014 11:41 a.m.

Sam_I_am says... Accepted answer #2

You may only pay the cost once per activation.

So for Gut Shot and Mental Misstep, you can only pay 2 life

however, for Hex Parasite you can activate the ability with x = 0 ad many times as you feel like. You don't even have to target a permanent with counters

December 9, 2014 11:44 a.m.

brcap says... #3

"only pay the cost once per activation" - perfect.

Thanks guys.

December 9, 2014 11:50 a.m.