Can you counter a spell twice?
Asked by Arladys 8 years ago
Let's say I play a Suppression Bonds targeting a Disciple of the Ring. My opponent activates the disciple's ability, first choice. I tap two lands in answer. Can my opponent then cast the disciple's ability once more, assuming he has the ressources to?
Epochalyptik says... #2
Three things of note:
First, the answer to the question you actually asked, in the title, "Can you counter a spell twice?" is no. Once a spell is countered, it is removed from the stack. However, your scenario deals with attempting to counter a spell rather than successfully countering a spell, so the answer to the question you ask in your description is still the same.
Second, objects on the stack resolve one at a time, which is why the situation pans out as described in the previous post. If there are multiple objects on the stack, players pass priority in succession to resolve the topmost object. They then must pass priority in succession again to resolve the next object. Therefore, you can continue to respond to a spell or ability before it resolves but after you see whether your previous responses have had any effect.
Third, abilities are not cast; they are either triggered or activated. Disciple of the Ring has an activated ability, so it may be activated. Only spells are cast, though.
acbooster says... Accepted answer #1
Yes. This involves a lot of properly using the stack. You cast the Bonds putting them on the top of the stack, and your opponent activates the ability, putting it on top of the stack. A round of priority passes where no one does anything, and the ability resolves. On resolution you have the option to pay 2 and have it do nothing so you do. At this point the game needs to pass through another round of priority with no actions taken for the Bonds to resolve. At this point your opponent will have the opportunity to use the ability again if they wish.
July 23, 2015 1:21 a.m.