Do cards know of events prior to their existence?
Asked by Liszt 2 years ago
First of: The title is a bit misleading, since I assume a card like Oath of Liliana also triggers if it entered the battlefield after the planeswalker.
But does it also work in the following scenario: In my upkeep I use Alchemist's Refuge to flash in a Sylvan Library and in response to that I cast a Brainstorm. What happens now in my Draw Step if I choose to draw 2 cards off Library? Does the Library know of the cards I drew off Brainstorm (which resolved before the Library)? In other words, would I be able to choose 2 cards I drew off the Brainstorm to put back for the Sylvan Library? Which rule is applied here?
Omniscience_is_life says... #2
Objects certainly recognize events occurring prior to their resolving! The example you used with Lily’s Oath is a good one.
But with Sylvan Library, the reason the interaction works (spoilers!) is because Library only asks that you return any cards drawn this turn—it is a property of the card drawn that it was drawn this turn, so it may be checked positive for Sylvan Library’s criteria
September 26, 2021 12:13 a.m.
So am I correct in summing up that so you're both not sure as well? I would really like to resolve this matter by maybe citing a game rule.
September 26, 2021 6:02 a.m.
Omniscience_is_life says... Accepted answer #4
(2016-06-08)
Any cards drawn prior to Sylvan Library’s ability resolving, including in your upkeep or in response to Sylvan Library’s triggered ability, can be chosen to be put back using this effect. Sylvan Library’s controller is responsible for keeping these cards distinguishable in hand, such as by keeping them separate from cards that began the turn in hand.
September 26, 2021 2:29 p.m.
Omniscience_is_life says... #5
I was sure, didn't know you wanted a ruling ;)
September 26, 2021 2:30 p.m.
I do want to throw an addendum on here in regards to paper tournament rules. There is a need to keep cards drawn before Sylvan Library's trigger finishes resolving separate from the rest of the cards in your hand because of this, and even outside Competitive REL, you should check with your group before you do otherwise. On official digital platforms (MTGO, MTGA) the game will enforce the rules so you can only put back cards drawn this turn, but in paper, it's the only way to ensure the rules are being followed.
TypicalTimmy says... #1
With very rare exceptions, no. A card does not recognize information that existed before it. However, some cards do recognize this. For example, if you open for an attack to deal 8 damage to an opponent, then during your second main phase you cast and resolve a Wound Reflection, it will recognize the 8 life that your opponent lost from combat this turn, despite not being on field when that 8 life was initially taken from them.
I do not feel qualified enough to go over the interactions you listed, however. So please do not mark this as an answer; Someone with more information deserves that spot <3
September 25, 2021 6:39 p.m.