How do "counter" spells work?
Asked by cdannis5 13 years ago
A couple of friends and myself are having a debate on how "counter" spells work. I say that the target of the "counter" is sent to the graveyard if no one can counter my counter. My friends say that the target just bounces back to their hand. Please tell me which is right, give a good example and state the rule.
Rhadamanthus says... Accepted answer #2
Since you requested a quote from the rules, the following is from the most recent version of the Magic Comprehensive Rules:
"701.5. Counter
701.5a To counter a spell or ability means to cancel it, removing it from the stack. It doesnt resolve and none of its effects occur. A countered spell is put into its owners graveyard.
701.5b The player who cast a countered spell or activated a countered ability doesnt get a refund of any costs that were paid."
March 18, 2011 10:49 a.m.
Ah I just found the rule but I don't think I'll be needing to post it since Rhadamanthus.
So yeah it says it all, that's why counters are so annoying to some. And besides countering back to the hand would downgrade Blue power from a shark to a freaking goldfish.
March 18, 2011 10:57 a.m.
yeah some spells like Remand return them to hand, but as stated, in general it means graveyard
Tezz says... #1
You are right, and your friend is terribly wrong
When you cast a counter as a response to a spell or ability, let's say Lightning Bolt , your spell, let's say Mana Leak , would go to the stack before the Bolt and, unless someone counter-counters your Leak, it will resolve and affect the Bolt wich is still on the stack sending it to the GY without even letting it resolve.
March 18, 2011 10:37 a.m.