Interaction between Teferi, Time Raveler and Azor, the Lawbringer
Asked by CamraMaan 2 years ago
So Teferi, Time Raveler states that opponents can only cast spells any time they could cast a sorcery, and Azor, the Lawbringer states that when it enters the battlefield opponents each opponent can't cast instant or sorcery spells on their next turn. My playgroup is debating the outcome of this interaction. My assumption is that this will prevent all opponents from being able to cast spells for a full turn, and if you add in a Conjurer's Closet you can lock them out for the rest of the game. Some others in my group think this will only affect and hard lock instant and sorcery spells. Any help on how this will play out? Thanks in advance! :)
Gidgetimer says... Accepted answer #2
"Any time they could cast a sorcery" is shorthand for "on their main phase when the stack is empty". It doesn't matter whether or not they could actually cast a sorcery. Vedalken Orrery does not negate Teferi, Time Raveler 's ability and Azor, the Lawbringer will not lock them out of artifacts, creatures, and enchantments when paired with Teferi.
June 8, 2021 6:03 p.m.
Other answers are correct I'll cite the relevant rule here.
307.5. If a spell, ability, or effect states that a player can do something only “any time they could cast a sorcery” or “only as a sorcery,” it means only that the player must have priority, it must be during the main phase of their turn, and the stack must be empty. The player doesn’t need to have a sorcery card they could cast. Effects that would preclude that player from casting a sorcery spell don’t affect the player’s capability to perform that action (unless the action is actually casting a sorcery spell).
June 8, 2021 6:14 p.m.
In the future, please remember to hit the green “Mark as Answer” button to indicate your question is resolved and there are no follow-ups. Since this question has been answered for several days, I went ahead and marked an answer on your behalf.
June 12, 2021 7:10 p.m.
Sorry, I haven't been able to login basically since I posted the question. The FB login method isn't working, but I guess I can use Google to login just the same... I didn't know that until now.
Thank you for the responses! Regarding what Gidgetimer said, you say that Vedalken Orrery doesn't negate Teferi, Time Raveler , and I'm curious why not? It seems like that would be one of those scenarios where the last one to ETB would have priority and trump the other... but if they don't negate each other, how does that work out in-game...?
June 16, 2021 4:51 a.m.
Gidgetimer says... #6
101.2. When a rule or effect allows or directs something to happen, and another effect states that it can’t happen, the “can’t” effect takes precedence.
This rule is often stated as "can't beats can"
June 16, 2021 5:15 a.m.
Good to know! Sorry for the late response... been super crazy at work, and in life... but I appreciate the clarification! :)
Caerwyn says... #1
You are incorrect. "At any time they could cast a sorcery" does not mean "when a player can legally cast a sorcery spell." That particular phrase more accurately should read "Each opponent can cast spells only during their main phase when the stack is empty and they have priority."
So, While Azor prevents the opponents from casting instants and sorceries, they can still cast Artifacts, Enchantments, and Creatures at sorcery-speed.
June 8, 2021 6:02 p.m.