Goblin Electromancer and "X" spells
Asked by DukeNicky 11 years ago
Ok first please forgive me for this question (I'm sure has been asked umpteen times) but I must have a concrete answer for a "special" individual in my weekly store tourneys.
Here is the play - Opponent taps out for a Nivix Cyclops . In response I cast Syncopate for 1U with 1 Goblin Electromancer out I know the spell still reads counter target spell unless they pay 1 for just a single U mana. Whereas my opponent says I can't do that and to check the comp rules yata yata yata (claims to have been a former Level 2 judge also goes on to state that rules 107.3 - 107.3H and 601.2 - 601.2E backs him up.) I've read the Gatherer and else where and everything says that with X spells you determine what X is and then apply any cost additions/reductions at that time in that order. So just for arguments sake who was correct and what are the official rulings for this case. (Aside from kicking out the douche from my store lol)
Dallie says... Accepted answer #1
This is probably the rule that explains it the most.
601.2e The player determines the total cost of the spell. Usually this is just the mana cost. Some spells have additional or alternative costs. Some effects may increase or reduce the cost to pay, or may provide other alternative costs. Costs may include paying mana, tapping permanents, sacrificing permanents, discarding cards, and so on. The total cost is the mana cost or alternative cost (as determined in rule 601.2b), plus all additional costs and cost increases, and minus all cost reductions. If the mana component of the total cost is reduced to nothing by cost reduction effects, it is considered to be 0. It cant be reduced to less than 0. Once the total cost is determined, any effects that directly affect the total cost are applied. Then the resulting total cost becomes locked in. If effects would change the total cost after this time, they have no effect.
Notice the bold parts.
TL;DR: You determine that Syncopate will be cast for 1U meaning that X = 1. The Goblin Electromancer reduces that costs by 1, meaning you will have to pay U.
You are definitely correct.
Also this shows an earlier answer to the -somewhat- same question, if you need more clarification.
August 6, 2013 6:15 a.m.