why is it that when you cast a modal spell Izzet Charm you have to name what mode you're choosing before the spell resolves?

Asked by SmugLookingBarrel 6 years ago

Why is it that for any spell that lets you choose a mode (Izzet Charm, Cryptic Command), you always have to declare what mode you're choosing as you cast the spell and not as part of the resolution, whereas a spell that instructs you to choose a card name (Cabal Therapy) has you choose as part of the resolution?

Lame_Duck says... Accepted answer #1

Mostly because you need to declare targets when you cast a spell and the targets of a modal spell depend on what mode(s) have been chosen. It's the same way that Swords to Plowshares requires you to choose a target on cast, but for Council's Judgment you vote on resolution.

The relevant rule is:

700.2a The controller of a modal spell or activated ability chooses the mode(s) as part of casting that spell or activating that ability. If one of the modes would be illegal (due to an inability to choose legal targets, for example), that mode cant be chosen. (See rule 601.2b.)

December 17, 2017 6:32 a.m.

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