Tandem Tactics + Zada, Hedron Grinder
Asked by Kryogenyc 8 years ago
Game Scenario: I have 3 Goblin Tokens and Zada, Hedron Grinder.
I play Tandem Tactics targeting only Zada.
Question:When the Tandem Tactics copies to the tokens, does each copy is able to target 2 tokens at the same time? or only one?
I'm not changing the card reads "up to two target creatures"
October 2, 2015 2:54 p.m.
The main phrase in that ruling is "The copies will similarly each be targeting only one of your other creatures. You can't change any of the copys targets to other creatures."
So each Tandem Tactics copy will target one Goblin token, and you won't be able to add any targets to those spells since you can't change the targets.
October 2, 2015 3:01 p.m.
Still ambiguous in this case, because it says "If it has multiple targets and all targets are him" as in the case of Common Bond.
In this case, as you cast it, you may choose 0, 1 or 2 targets, and by choosing only 1, the spell has only one target as it goes onto the stack. It still likely works the way JWiley129 describes, but it's not proven just from that quoted ruling.
I'd say it follows as much from that ruling as the ruling that says if a spell is modal, you're stuck with the same chosen mode as well.
October 2, 2015 5:48 p.m.
Rhadamanthus says... #5
The key thing to remember here is that when a spell gets copied, it copies the choices made while casting it, including modes, targets, and the number of targets. This is why copy effects usually let you change the target of the copy, otherwise they'd be kind of boring and dumb. Zada, Hedron Grinder happens to tell you exactly what to do with the targets of the copies instead of letting you choose. Most importantly for this question, Zada doesn't say the number of targets changes (I don't think any copy effect does, actually), so that means they all stay the same.
October 2, 2015 6:03 p.m.
MagicPlaya says... #6
so what happens if you target zada with a spell you cast using the awaken cost, will it copy the awaken? example, earthen arms.
January 6, 2016 11:11 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #7
Please ask unrelated questions in new threads. Also, please check the post dates before commenting. This thread is several months old. Lastly, please link all cards in your question.
Earthen Arms
You won't copy anything. Zada, Hedron Grinder's ability only triggers if Zada is the spell's only target. A spell cast for its awaken cost must target a land in addition to whatever else it targets, so Zada can't be the only target.
January 6, 2016 11:15 p.m.
ilikepie9182 says... #8
On a related note, what if I cast Triton Tactics on Zada and another creature while Monastery Mentor is out? In my thinking, you target Zada and one creature and Zada's copy trigger goes off. The multiple spells make new creatures from the Mentor. Keep targeting Zada and the new creatures and you potentially go infinite. Is that how it works? In that case this takes Zada to a WHOLE new level.
January 11, 2016 7:26 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #9
@ilikepie9182: I requested that new questions be asked in a new thread.
As I explained, Zada, Hedron Grinder's ability only triggers if Zada, Hedron Grinder is the only target. If you target any other objects, the ability won't trigger.
Further, Monastery Mentor's ability only triggers when you cast a spell. Copying a spell simply creates the copy on the stack. It isn't cast. It won't trigger Monastery Mentor's ability.
JWiley129 says... #1
Sometimes, Gatherer is your friend. From Zada's gatherer entry:
"If you cast an instant or sorcery spell that has multiple targets, but its targeting only Zada with all of them, Zadas ability will trigger. The copies will similarly each be targeting only one of your other creatures. You cant change any of the copys targets to other creatures."
October 2, 2015 2:33 p.m.