How does Ward work if I redirect a spell or ability?
Asked by TypicalTimmy 1 year ago
Suppose my opponent casts a spell such as Murder and I Bolt Bend it to a creature I control with Ward.
Do they now have to pay the Ward cost?
Or does this circumvent Ward, because it was not the original target when they cast it?
TypicalTimmy says... #2
Sweet! So if we are clever enough to swap a spell over to a creature with Ward, and our opponent is unable to pay the Ward cost, the spell should become nullified correct?
Basically like a backdoor sort of counter spell?
July 12, 2023 3:01 a.m.
Correct - though specifically I would say it “becomes countered” rather than “nullified” for accuracy.
July 12, 2023 9:14 a.m.
TypicalTimmy says... #4
I would need to disagree there. The reason being, if my opponent casts Abrupt Decay, I can not use Counterspell on it. However if I Bolt Bend it onto an appropriate target that has Ward, and they don't or can't pay the Ward cost, the spell no longer may resolve.
But, it was NOT countered.
July 12, 2023 1:04 p.m.
You are incorrect. Ward explicitly states it counters the spell:
“Whenever this permanent becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].” Rule 702.21a.
As such, Ward will not stop Abrupt Decay.
July 12, 2023 1:16 p.m. Edited.
plakjekaas says... #6
If you use Absorb on Abrupt Decay, the spell won't be countered, because it can't be, but you'll still gain the 3 life. Abrupt Decay is a legal target for Counterspell, it just won't have an effect, like casting Murder on an indestructible creature.
July 12, 2023 3:09 p.m.
What happens if I Divert opponents spell to his creature with Ward? For example, Swords to Plowershores to Tivit.
Caerwyn says... Accepted answer #1
A creature with Ward has the following triggered ability: “Whenever this permanent becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].” Rule 702.21a.
It does not matter how the creature becomes targeted, the process of it being targeted is what sets off the trigger. As such redirecting a spell to an object with ward will still trigger ward.
July 12, 2023 1:01 a.m.