If I cast Yahenni's Expertise on my opponent's turn using Brain in a Jar ticking up to 4 counters, can I cast a 3cmc or less spell for free that is NOT an instant?
Asked by Cyman 7 years ago
Because Yahenni's Expertise states I may cast a 3cmc spell from my hand without paying it's mana cost, I want to know if that free card must be an instant in order to be cast if I manage to cast Yahenni's Expertise on my opponent's turn, for example using Brain in a Jar.
acbooster says... Accepted answer #1
It doesn't have to be an instant.
Whenever a spell allows you to cast another spell as part of its resolution, it ignores timing restrictions. A similar card is Counterlash, which has this gatherer ruling on it:
"You cast the card in your hand as part of the resolution of Counterlash. Timing restrictions based on the cards type (such as creature or sorcery) are ignored. Other restrictions are not (such as Cast [this card] only during combat)."
This is because of this rule about timing:
116.1. Unless a spell or ability is instructing a player to take an action, which player can take actions at any given time is determined by a system of priority. The player with priority may cast spells, activate abilities, and take special actions.
In this case a spell is instructing you to take an action, which is casting a spell with CMC 3 or less. So it ignores all timing restrictions.
February 8, 2017 5:48 p.m. Edited.