Rulings regarding Deadeye Navigator
Asked by wereotter 7 years ago
Ran into a situation with a Deadeye Navigator paired up with a Mystic Snake which made my life incredibly difficult, and am trying to understand how to make sure I'm prepared when facing this again.
I think my opponent was incorrectly abusing Soulbond as I would attempt multiple instant removal spells and he'd respond to each by flickering one or other other, but I believe I can target one or both halves of the soul bond when either enters the battlefield, is that right?
For example, I target Mystic Snake with Lightning Bolt so my opponent responds by activating the ability to flicker Mystic Snake. Can I then respond to the soul bond trigger when the snake re-enters the battlefield with something like a Lightning Axe aimed at Deadeye Navigator to stop the soul bond from happening on resolution and break the combo, or can he flicker either creature in response to my Lightning Axe to save his creature?
Thanks! I'll have to remember this next time he tries it as he was flickering creatures to deal with my response to his ETB on the snake or navigator. Suddenly makes this much less obnoxious.
November 2, 2016 6:50 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #3
Yeah, many people think that DEN combos are stronger than they are. Just make sure to make it clear that you are responding to the soulbond trigger and you will be in the right. I anticipate much salt and even refusing to accept that Soulbond is a trigger so I would memorize that 702.94 is the rule for Soulbond if I were you.
raithe000 says... Accepted answer #1
Short answer: Yes, you can do that.
Long Answer: From the comprehensive rules
702.94a Soulbond is a keyword that represents two triggered abilities. Soulbond means Whenthis creature enters the battlefield, if you control both this creature and another creature and bothare unpaired, you may pair this creature with another unpaired creature you control for as longas both remain creatures on the battlefield under your control and Whenever another creatureenters the battlefield under your control, if you control both that creature and this one and bothare unpaired, you may pair that creature with this creature for as long as both remain creatureson the battlefield under your control.
Soulbond is therefore a triggered ability, and you can respond to the trigger before they are paired, which prevents your opponent from activating Deadeye Navigator's flicker ability.
November 2, 2016 6:06 p.m.