What it does
Connive lets a creature dig for value while potentially growing. When a creature "connives," you draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, you put a +1/+1 counter on the conniving creature. Connive N means you draw and discard N cards, getting a counter for each nonland card discarded.
The most common mistake: you don't get a counter for discarding lands, and the counters scale with how many nonland cards you pitch. Also, connive happens even if the creature has left the battlefield in some cases—but the counter only lands if the creature is still around. You choose what to discard, so you have full control over whether to grow it.
In Commander, connive shines with graveyard synergies (madness, flashback, reanimation) since you're actively filling your yard, while smoothing draws and building a threat. It pairs beautifully with discard-matters and self-mill strategies.
Iconic cards with Connive
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