Redirect to counter spells
Asked by CrazyChessPlayer 5 years ago
Can effects like Redirect counter a counter spell by switching the target of the counterspell to itself? Thanks so much:)
I’ll verify legendofa’s understanding is correct.
Rule 114.5: A spell or ability on the stack is an illegal target for itself.
And, though implicit in legendofa’s post, I’ll just clarify - a spell remains on the stack until it resolves. For an instant, like Redirect it goes to the graveyard after all the text on the card is completed. So, you will perform the text on the card (redirection) while Redirect is still on the stack, and thus a valid target for Counterspell. It is only after the new target has been assigned that Redirect goes to the graveyard.
legendofa says... Accepted answer #1
As I understand it, you can get the desired result, but you need to be clear with your targeting. A counterspell (let's say Counterspell) can't target itself, but it can target a more recently cast spell. Instead of having the Counterspell target itself, you need to have it target the Redirect. Redirect resolves, so the Counterspell is next up. Its target is no longer valid, so it whimpers, fizzles, and does nothing.
October 26, 2018 10:42 p.m.