Pithing Needle vs Infinite Spellfist
Asked by kamarupa 8 years ago
Player 1 runs a Infinite Storm Spellfist, looking to create an infinite combo: Elusive Spellfist + Herbal Poultice + Retraction Helix + Zephyr Scribe for unblockable infinite damage.
Player 2 wants to stop the combo, and has Pithing Needle on hand.
Which part of the combo, if any, can Pithing Needle name to break it? Retraction Helix's ability is activated, but the spell itself doesn't have the ability to activate it. Am I correct in assuming Pithing Needle can name Zephyr Scribe and block it from activating any activatable abilities bestowed upon it by instants?
Then I assume naming Retraction Helix would essentially do nothing. Correct?
March 9, 2016 11:13 p.m.
Indeed, name the Zephyr Scribe, but most likely the player plays the scribe when he has the other key combo card on hand so it'll be too late by then. Unless you can flash the Pithing Needle with Vedalken Orrery or something.
March 10, 2016 4:31 a.m.
There's a small chance, since none of the creatures in the deck have haste, but yes, a good pilot of the deck will not bring out a creature until all the pieces are in hand.
Denial048 says... Accepted answer #1
You are correct.
The instants in question (Retraction Helix) give the Zephyr Scribe an activated ability until end of turn, so Pithing Needle would prevent that ability from being able to be activated.
March 9, 2016 11:05 p.m.