Who wins? Card Resolution Question.

Asked by steaburn 5 years ago

Me and my brother-in-law play kitchen table magic, but like to play by the rules as best we know. The other day I was using my life gain deck. I had 2 life and he had 3. I had no creatures, but had a Sanguine Bond on the field. He attacked with 5 zombies with 4 or more attack power. I used Intervention Pact on one zombie attacking for 5. I know intervention pact would resolve the same time as the rest of the combat damage, but wasn’t sure if the life check would occur before or after Sanguine Bond resolves. Sorry if this is confusing. I may not be using the correct terminology for everything. Thanks for any help.

Gidgetimer says... Accepted answer #1

Losing the game due to having 0 or less life is a state-based action. SBAs are checked each time a player would receive priority and then triggered abilities are put on the stack. This means that your life total will be checked and you will lose before Sanguine Bond's ability is even put on the stack, let alone resolves.

July 7, 2018 9:36 p.m.

freshdemon says... #2

Ok let's examine the 'steps', assuming you have cast Intervention Pact

• combat damage is dealt, although the targeted zombie's damage is prevented. The delayed triggered ability of Intervention Pact is put on the stack
• the triggered ability resolves causing you to gain 5 life. Sanguine Bonds triggered ability is put on the stack with targets
• the triggered ability resolves causing targeted opponent to lose 5

in between each of those 'steps' state based actions are checked, such as a player loses, if he or she has 0 or less life. Fun Fact: Instant speed things can be played in between as well

July 8, 2018 5:45 a.m.

freshdemon says... #3

Well if was a little rough in my explanation. The triggered abilities are not put on the stack yet, they are just triggered. They will be put on the stack when all state based actions have happened, meaning you would even die before Intervention Pacts life gain ability is even put on the stack

July 8, 2018 5:49 a.m.

freshdemon says... #4

Turns out I really shouldn't have written anything about this, since The next time x is not equal to When x or at x. Just listen to Gidgetimer, he/she knows

July 8, 2018 5:56 a.m.

steaburn says... #5

Thanks! I appreciate the clarification.

July 8, 2018 11:49 a.m.