How does "attack this turn if able" work?
Asked by nicochulo 7 years ago
This might be a dumb question, but let's suppose I Incite an opponent's creature that is enchanted with Oppressive Rays.Let's suppose he also has that three mana. Is he obligated to pay it? I mean,in the most literal sense that creature is able to attack, but maybe the opponent has the choice to not attack...
Thanks in advance
The creature isnt able to attack unless the player pays 3, you cant force opponent to pat. Its not forced to attack.
August 24, 2017 1:42 p.m.
Oloro_Magic Okay thanks, didn't know about that forum, been searching for it a long time, and the answer was perfect, too
Oloro_Magic says... Accepted answer #1
For future reference please put al rules related question in the Rules Q&A on the top bar on the site.
To answer your question, no their creature does not have to attack as the cost on cards like Oppressive Rays or Ghostly Prison is not mandatory, your opponent is not obliged to pay the cost. Though I couldn't find the actual rule here is a ruling released on Gideon Jura in reference to his first ability which creates a situation similar to what you are describing.
"6/15/2010: Gideon Jura's first ability causes creatures to attack him if able. If, during the affected player's declare attackers step, a creature he or she controls is tapped, is affected by a spell or ability that says it can't attack, or is affected by "summoning sickness," then that creature doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having a creature attack, the player isn't forced to pay that cost, so the creature doesn't have to attack in that case either."
August 24, 2017 1:42 p.m.