If two effects would prevent damage, which one of those effects is the one to actually prevent the damage?

Asked by Yesterday 5 years ago

I have a weird Feather, the Redeemed Arcane deck.

I cast Ethereal Haze and spliced Candles' Glow onto it, targeting Feather. Feather was blocking a creature that would have dealt combat damage to her.

A spliced card's effects count as being written underneath the rest of the effects of the spell onto which it's spliced, so the prevention that would gain me life from the Candles takes effect after the regular damage prevention from Haze.

Which means.... something something layers?

Do I gain life from the effects of Candles' Glow?

Kogarashi says... Accepted answer #1

• 616.1. If two or more replacement and/or prevention effects are attempting to modify the way an event affects an object or player, the affected object’s controller (or its owner if it has no controller) or the affected player chooses one to apply, following the steps listed below. If two or more players have to make these choices at the same time, choices are made in APNAP order (see rule 101.4).

With the spliced spell, what you end up with is two prevention effects ready to change the way damage is applied (specifically by preventing some or all of it).

You are the affected player/affected objects' controller (the damage is going to you and/or your creatures based on how you block), and thus get to choose the order in which to apply the prevention effects.

This means you can have Candles' Glow apply first, preventing 3 damage to Feather and gaining that life, then apply Ethereal Haze and prevent all the rest of the creature damage.

July 13, 2019 3:02 p.m.

Yesterday says... #2

Cool thanks.

July 13, 2019 3:12 p.m.