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This article looks into the resolving of spells and (non-static) abilities.
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The key to Magic timing is to understand that all spells and abilities
have two parts. They have a part that applies when you play it
(see Crystal Clear - 1A), and the part that
applies when you resolve it.
When you are resolving a spell or ability, you need to do two things:
checks if any targets are still legal, and apply effects.
Not all spells and abilities are targeted, but if they are, you first check
to see if any targets are no longer legal targets. If so, you do not apply the
effect to those targets. In addition, if ALL targets are now illegal,
the whole spell or ability is countered. This means that it has
absolutely no effect (not even the untargeted part), and if it is a card, it
is placed in the graveyard.
Next, you apply the effects of the spell or ability in the order written.
Sometimes, the effects will call for choices such as whether or not to pay
some mana, which source of damage to apply to, and so on. These choices are
made as they are needed.
Once you master this separation of actions taken when playing a spell
(see Crystal Clear - 1A) or
ability from those that are taken when resolving it, you're ready to learn
more about the Stack (see Crystal Clear - 1C).
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When you look deeper into the rules, you'll find that resolving a spell or
ability is itself broken into a sequence of steps. These steps are generally
straightforward, but the rules do define what happens in detail.
The following steps take place in order and cannot be interrupted by any player.
1) First if the spell or ability has any targets, you check to see if
the targets are legal. If ALL the targets are now illegal, the
spell or ability is countered and you stop here.
[413.2a]
2) Next, you follow the instructions on the spell or ability in the
order written. There are some special notes here:
[413.2b]
- In some cases, later text may modify earlier text. You need to read the
text using a little bit of logic to see if the following sentences modify
something. For example, "Destroy target creature. It can't be regenerated."
As another example, "Counter target spell. If you do, put it on top of its
owner's library instead of into its owner's graveyard."
[413.2b]
- If there are choices to be made that were not made when playing the spell or
ability, the choices are made as required. And all choices must be legal
ones. If more than one player has to make choices, the active player chooses
first, then the other player (or players) in turn order.
[413.2c]
[413.2d]
- If information is requried about something that is no longer where it was,
such as a creature that went to the graveyard, use the "last known information"
it had from the zone it was supposed to be in.
[413.2f]
- If a payment of mana is allowed, the player gets a chance to play mana
abilities during the resolution right before the mana payment would be made.
[413.2e]
- Normally, spells and abilities cannot be played during resolution, but if
specifically instructed to do so by an effect, you may follow the steps to
play a spell or ability (see Crystal Clear - 1A)
and put it on the stack. Then continue with the resolution of this spell
or ability.
[413.2e]
3) Once all the steps are followed, the final result depends on what is
resolving.
[413.2h]
- An ability on the stack leaves the stack and ceases to exist any more.
- An Instant or Sorcery on the stack leaves the stack and goes to the
graveyard. If it's a copy and not a real card, it will cease to exist
after it gets to the graveyard.
- An Artifact, Creature, or Enchantment leaves the stack and enters play as
a permanent of the appropriate type(s) under the control of whoever
controlled the spell.
Ready for more? Learn about playing spells and abilities
(see Crystal Clear - 1A) and about
the Stack (see Crystal Clear - 1C).
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While the text to the left discusses the rules, we'll work on specific
game situations over here.
Q: If my opponent is going to sacrifice something during resolution,
can I stop him?
No. Your opponent won't choose what to sacrifice until the middle of
resolution, and it is not legal to interrupt the resolution of a spell
or ability to do anything.
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