Can I use alternate casting cost for effects that allow you to play a card without paying the mana cost?

Asked by AwesomeOctopus 8 years ago

specifically, If I play Mind's Desire and exile Cyclonic Rift from the top of my deck can I play it for the overload cost for free?

FancyTuesday says... Accepted answer #1

Negative. You may only choose one alternate casting cost, and "you may play/cast that card without paying its mana cost" is an alternate casting cost, and the only option you may choose when casting a spell as part of the resolution of an ability giving you that option. Overload is another alternate casting cost and may only be chosen when you could cast the spell normally, i.e.: when the spell is in your hand and the priority/timing is appropriate.

Also, from Gatherer, on Cyclonic Rift:

If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload without paying its mana cost, you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.

November 13, 2015 2:42 a.m.