Are state based actions checked between modal spell resolutions?

Asked by Urge 6 years ago

Scenario: My opponent has 10 life, 2x Death's Shadow, and 1x Tarmogoyf. He attacks with all 3, I declare no blockers, he fetches, and I respond with Blessed Alliance, escalating it and choosing Gain Life and Sac Creature, targeting him for both.

On resolution of Blessed Alliance, the effects will happen in the order printed on the card: my opponent will first go up to 14 life, then sacrifice an attacking creature - but will he be forced to sacrifice his Tarmogoyf, or will he be able to choose one of his -1/-1 Death's Shadows as a sacrifice?

Thanks in advance.

acbooster says... Accepted answer #1

They can choose a Death's Shadow.

SBAs are only checked whenever a player would receive priority, and players cannot receive priority while a spell or ability is resolving. Your Blessed Alliance would run through all of its modes, and your opponent, if they play smart, will end up with their Tarmogoyf and no Shadows.

July 18, 2017 9:16 p.m.