Understanding Snapcaster Mage's Triggered Ability
Asked by Sneakatron 5 years ago
Long time collector, new player here. Can someone please explain the in-depth processes at work behind Snapcaster Mage's triggered ability? I understand the net result, just not the nuances. For example, let's say my opponent plays Lightning Bolt (targeting me) during their main phase. They then pass priority to me. I play Snapcaster Mage to gain access to Dispel in my graveyard in order to counter Lightning Bolt. How did that happen exactly? Is Lightning Bolt still stuck on the stack when Snapcaster Mage's ETB triggers, allowing me to access Dispel? To clarify, I'm hoping for a technical dissection of the priority / spell resolution process. After I play Snapcaster Mage, I have to relinquish priority back to opponent, yes? Then when Snapcaster Mage resolves, is there another round of priority? And if my opponent passes back to me, I can then play Dispel, correct? Sorry so long winded, just trying to be clear. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Sneakatron says... #2
That was exactly the breakdown I was hoping for. Thanks so much for taking the time to do that. Really trying to nail down the intricacies of the stack and priority and you have helped tremendously, thanks again!
Kogarashi says... Accepted answer #1
Here's how it should go. Bear in mind that for each item on the stack to resolve, everyone must pass priority without putting anything else on the stack.
Your opponent casts Lightning Bolt. It goes on the stack. Your opponent doesn't have anything else they want to cast, so they pass priority.
You respond with Snapcaster Mage, which has Flash and can thus be cast at instant speed. Snapcaster is on the stack above the Bolt. You don't cast anything else, so you pass priority.
Your opponent also chooses not to respond to the casting of Snapcaster, so it resolves and enters the battlefield. Snapcaster Mage's ETB ability triggers, and goes on the stack above the Lightning Bolt. You and your opponent both pass priority.
Snapcaster Mage's ability resolves, giving your Dispel flashback until end of turn. Lightning Bolt is still on the stack. You cast Dispel from your graveyard to counter your opponent's Bolt. You and your opponent both pass priority.
Dispel resolves, countering Lightning Bolt. The stack is now empty.
August 1, 2018 7:05 p.m.