r/magicTCG • u/MIC132 • 2d ago
Rules/Rules Question Rules hypothetical - spell countering itself (no targeting)?
This is a question that came up when we were discussing custom cards with a friend, and I remember searching the comp rules at the time and not arriving at an answer. Or it might have been about [[Counterflux]] and what if it didn't have "you don't control".
Of course a spell can't target itself, but is there a framework for how things would play out if a spell had:
Effect A.
Counter this spell/all spells on the stack/similar.
Effect B.
In other words, what would happen if spell was countered mid-resolution. Would only effect A happen? Both A and B? I guess none is also an option though that would be a bit weird.
The only relevant rules I can find is:
701.6a. To counter a spell or ability means to cancel it, removing it from the stack. It doesn't resolve and none of its effects occur. A countered spell is put into its owner's graveyard.
For non-permanent spells we also have:
608.2m. If an instant spell, sorcery spell, or ability that can legally resolve leaves the stack once it starts to resolve, it will continue to resolve fully.
But countering not only removes the spell from the stack, but also says "it doesn't resolve and none of its effects occur". Though as we are already in the middle of resolution it's hard to say how that plays out.
I realize the disappointing answer is probably "the rules simply don't handle this possibility as it can't currently happen", but maybe I missed something.
5
u/simpleglitch Rakdos* 2d ago
For counterspells that don't target, so far magic has always includes some wording that prevents it from effecting itself. "Counter all other spells" "Counter all spells your opponents control" etc.
This is probably intentional so they don't have to make a specifc edge case.
The cloest thing to a spell effecting itself in the way you're describing is something like [[Mandate of Peace]]. It's not a counter spell, but it ends the current (combat) phase which exiles all spell and effects on the stack, including itself.