Counterspell
Asked by Tekel_Brighteyes 13 years ago
Can counterspell be used against creatures? I've seen conflicting comments on this. Also, can it only be used when a spell is first cast or can it be used on one already in place?
MagnorCriol says... #2
Epochalyptik is exactly correct, of course, but just for a bit of elaboration, since I initially read the question slightly differently than I think he did.
Counterspells, like Epoch said, can't be used on a creature (or any permanent) once it's already on the battlefield. They're no longer spells so they're no longer applicable to counterspell.
However - and this is what I thought you were asking first - a counterspell is perfectly fine to use on a creature spell, i.e. while it's still on the stack. You can counter a creature spell so it doesn't ever even hit the field. Certain counterspells have restrictions that block this (Spell Pierce , for example) but in general you can use a counterspell on a creature spell just fine.
October 6, 2011 3:43 p.m.
Creatures, artifacts, enchantments, planeswalkers, instants, and sorceries are all spells when you cast them. The only things that can't be countered are lands, since they are not spells and don't use the stack when you drop them.
October 7, 2011 8:18 p.m.
Jarrod_0067 says... #4
Also note, "put into play" or "put onto the battlefield" is not cast, therefore, you cannot counter the creature forced into play with Elvish Piper or Summoning Trap
October 8, 2011 7 a.m.
xxxxxxCronoxxxxxx says... #5
counters spells counters spells or abilitys on the stack that the counter spell says it can
October 10, 2011 1:40 a.m.
KorApprentice says... #6
I find it strange that no one here has linked Counterspell , which is probably the specific card that Tekel_Brighteyes was referring to. Counterspell can counter any spell once it has been successfully cast, but before it has successfully resolved from the stack unless the target says 'cannot be countered...' etc. I mention that the spell must be successfully cast because countering a spell does not prevent its casting, only its resolution, so spells with effects that trigger when they are cast will still trigger those effects, but no other effects if they are countered.
Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1
A counterspell can only be used against a spell. Some counterspells have restrictions on which kinds of spells they may target (Negate can't counter a creature spell, but Cancel can).
A creature card on the battlefield is a permanent, not a spell. Therefore, it may not be targeted by a counterspell and a counter-type effect will do nothing to it.
A spell must be countered before it resolves/begins resolving. When your opponent casts a creature spell, you must counter it when you get priority and the spell is still on the stack. Once it resolves, as stated earlier, it is no longer a spell.
October 6, 2011 12:48 a.m.