How many spells can I cast when I have priority?

Asked by bennybubbles 8 years ago

So if I cast say, Tarmogoyf, while it is on the stack, can I cast Krosan Grip before I pass priority, thereby stopping my opponents from countering Tarmogoyf? Or is there some rule about priority or split second that I don't know about. Please don't link me to the rulebook, as I have read the priority section and don't understand it. Thanks.

Epochalyptik says... Accepted answer #1

This doesn't work the way you describe. Split second only prevents players from casting spells or activating abilities while the object with split second is still on the stack. Once Krosan Grip resolves, players can respond again.

You can cast any number of spells or activate any number of abilities by retaining priority from one casting/activation process to the next. However, the stack doesn't resolve all at once, nor does it resolve completely before anything else can happen.

The stack resolves one object at a time. If all players pass priority in succession (meaning without adding any objects to the stack), then the topmost object on the stack resolves. Then, the active player (the player whose turn it is) gets priority. Therefore, players may respond to an object on the stack or agree to pass to resolve the topmost object on the stack. Once the topmost object resolves, players again have the opportunity to respond or pass.

If players pass priority in succession over an empty stack, then the game progresses to the next step or phase (players must pass priority in order to advance the game; the game doesn't advance without players getting priority). The only two steps during which no player receives priority are the untap and cleanup steps.

November 26, 2015 1:27 a.m.

bennybubbles says... #2

Okay thanks.

November 26, 2015 2:36 a.m.

pskinn01 says... #3

Epoch is right.

But the easiest way to explain priority to someone who doesn't grasp it, is to imagine a PEZ dispenser.

  1. You put the spells/abilities (candy) in it when it is in your hand (priority). You may put as many in as you have (as long as it can be done at instant speed).

  2. Then you pass it to the next opponent. He may put as many as he wants in on top of yours. But may not take any out.

  3. Then that opponent passes to the next opponent (which is you in a two player game).

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 till the person who put the top piece in has the dispenser. Then that piece is ate (resolves).

  5. repeat steps 1 though 4 till everyone passes and empty dispenser.

This is why spells with split second on them will not make other spells you on the stack uncounterable. As the spell with split second will resolve first, and it your opponents will get priority again before the other spell resolves.

Any object that has a last in first out system would of worked for comparison, but PEZ dispensers are well known, and is something that can logically be passed around.

November 26, 2015 2:59 a.m.

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