T.6.1- This step can be charted out as follows: [CompRules 1999/04/23] a) Recheck targeting conditions. If the spell or ability has any targets and all targets are illegal, the spell or ability is countered (see Rule G.39.6). b) Follow the instructions in the spell or ability's text, making choices as required by the text. c) If it is an instant or sorcery spell, put it into the graveyard. If it is an artifact, creature, or enchantment spell, put it into play.
T.6.2- At the start of this step the spell or ability rechecks any targeting conditions it has. If it has any targets and all the targets are illegal, the spell or ability is countered and does nothing, not even its untargeted portions. If it has no targets or at least one target is still legal, the effect proceeds to happen normally but does nothing with regards to any targets which are illegal. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.3- Instructions are to be followed in order they are written on the card. But keep in mind that a later sentence may modify the meaning of or place limits on an earlier sentence in the text. [CompRules 1999/04/23] For example, "Destroy target creature. It can't be regenerated."
T.6.4- If the instructions offer any choices other than mode and target, these choices are made as required as each portion of the spell or ability resolves. If both players have choices to make, the active player chooses first. [WotC Rules Team 2002/10/01]
T.6.5- A player cannot choose an option that is illegal or impossible. For example, a spell reads "You may sacrifice a creature. If you don't, you lose 4 life." A player who controls no creatures cannot choose the sacrifice option. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.6- Spells and abilities may have multiple steps or actions, denoted by separate sentences or clauses. For each sentence or clause, the player controlling the spell or ability makes their choices and does their actions first, then the opponent does so. [WotC Rules Team 2000/04/04] For a spell which reads "Each player removes two cards in his or her hand from the game", the controller chooses and removes, then the other player chooses and removes. For a spell such which reads "Each player chooses a card in his or her hand. Then each player reveals his or her chosen card", the controller chooses, then the opponent choses, then the controller reveals, then the opponent reveals. [WotC Rules Team 2000/04/04]
T.6.7- If the instruction requires information about the game state, the information is looked up as needed. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.8- If a permanent left play (or if a card leaves any other zone), but information about it is required in order to follow the instructions, the last known values for that permanent before it left play (or for the card before it left its other zone) are used. [CompRules 1999/11/01]
T.6.9- A spell card that is to become a permanent (which means artifact, creature, and enchantment spells) does so as the final step of resolution. An instant or sorcery spell card is put into the graveyard as the final step of resolution. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.10- If a mana payment is required during resolution, mana abilities can be used at that time. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.11- Spells and abilities always resolve as completely as possible. If part of the effect is impossible, the other parts are still completed. [CompRules 1999/04/23]
T.6.Ruling.1- The instructions on many abilities have the source permanent do some effect, not the ability itself. Due to Rule T.6.7, the current characteristics of that permanent are used, not the values at announcement. And if the source permanent left play, Rule T.6.8 applies.
T.6.Ruling.2- Rule T.6.8 applies only to information about the permanent that is needed during resolution. If the resolution sets up a continuous effect with an end condition, the current game state is used to determine if the end condition will be or has already been met. [D'Angelo 1999/05/26]
Note- Replacement and prevention effects (see Rule T.10) can be applied to any action in the resolution. [D'Angelo 1999/05/01]
Note- See the targeting (Rule G.39) section for more information.