When do I have to declare which effect I want to use on Merciless Eviction?

Asked by lukepinard 9 years ago

Say my opponent has a sacrifice outlet. Do I have to declare which effect from Merciless Eviction I want to use as I cast it or as it resolves?

Sooo, could he sac in response to exile all artifacts, or would he have to sac before I declare which effect I want?

TheRedMage says... Accepted answer #1

Please link your cards:
Merciless Eviction

Also please always look at gatherer rulings. The answer to your question is in the gatherer rulings for this card.

This is a modal spell. As with all modal spells, modes are chosen as part of casting the spell (the same as for charms, commands, etc.)

The easiest way to ascertain whether that's the case is to look at the oracle text. If it has a bulleted list, which it does in this case (note that the card doesn't; but the oracle text of the card does), then modes are chosen upon casting the spell.

July 24, 2015 3:47 p.m.