Can simic charm save phantoms image?
Asked by Ultramegalord 7 years ago
Can Simic Charms non targeting hexproof be used in response to Phantasmal Image being targeted save it from it's targeted sacrifice clause? I know a counter spell can't, was curious if instant speed non-targeting hexproof could.
No.
The moment the spell is cast, Image is selected as a target for it and its ability triggers. Giving it hexproof after the fact will not save it. You can:
1/ Cast the Charm before the opponent casts their spell.
2/ Stifle the sacrifice effect.
March 1, 2017 6:38 a.m.
It can't, for exactly the same reasons a Counterspell can't, actually - they will cause the spell that targetted to be countered, but not the ability that will have you sacrifice the Phantasmal Image.
I can break it down some more, because that's probably not very understandable: When a player casts a Shock on your Phantasmal Image, that will trigger it's ability. That ability will be put on the stack after Shock, meaning it will resolve first.
Now if you cast Simic Charm, that will be put on top of the stack, and resolve first. At this point, you control a Phantasmal Image with Hexproof. If Shock were to resolve next, it would be countered by the game rules for not having any legal targets.
Yet, its own ability resolves next, and you'll have to sacrifice the Image.
The only thing you really can do is counter the ability that targets the Image, with cards like Stifle or Disallow.
acbooster says... Accepted answer #1
No.
The ability of Phantasmal Image triggers when a spell is cast targeting it. Giving it Hexproof in response with Simic Charm won't stop the ability from triggering because it's already on the stack by the time you get a chance to respond.
Conversely, if you were to cast it preemptively, your opponent could just cast an instant targeting it in response to trigger the ability.
March 1, 2017 6:37 a.m.