@keikun332
Close.
What actually causes an entire spell to be countered is the use of the word target. If someone casts Cryptic Command and chooses to return a permanent to it's owners hand and draw a card, if the permanent becomes illegal, then the whole spell is countered. If they choose to counter a spell and bounce, if the permanent becomes illegal then the spell will still be countered.You can almost read each section of a card as complete thoughts.
EX.
Bounce target permanent, then draw a card VS Counter target spell-bounce target permanent.
Another good example of this is Searing Blaze VS Lightning Helix.
Searing blaze targets both player and creature so if one becomes illegal the other is still damaged; but Lightning Helix only has one target. If Lightning Helix had read "3 damage to target creature, target player gains 3 life." then you would still gain the life.
So it's not that this card bypasses a rule, rath... (see all)
Posted By:
SIlverSkyz
(8/15/2010 9:28:28 PM)
He falls in love with Venser, the Sojourner in casual. For 2 mana, I'll take your best creature, and you can have this dude. Oh wait, I'll use Venser's +2, and take your new best creature too. Keep it going, and finally bounce him when he's the only creature they have - and his triggered ability will fizzle due to having no legal targets (meaning you'll get to keep him for future shenanigans and won't have to sacrifice him).
And in a worst case scenario you're paying 2 mana to get something that's better than a 3/3 flying (I mean, you wouldn't cast it at all if it wasn't better than a 3/3 flying). Ridic card. 5/5
Posted By:
JaxsonBateman
(6/30/2011 8:08:20 PM)
What could counter it other than a spell or ability? o__O
Posted By:
Keegan__
(7/9/2009 2:34:33 PM)
This card + Tradewind Rider or Temporal Adept in a mono blue control deck usually will have your opponent screaming at you...lol
Posted By:
Rides1
(10/21/2009 1:29:49 AM)
for those that do not understand what the card means by "can only be countered by spells or abilities"
the actual term counter refers to a few select situations where a card is nullified. A second way to "counter" a card, is to remove the target of the said card. For example, if you attempt to cast giant growth, targeting a creature you control and in response to you targeting a card with your spell on the stack, I can remove the said target with a spell that I will place on the stack (can be anything from boomerang to terror). The stack will now begin to resolve. My spell resolves and removes your creature (be it temporarily or permanently) then when your spell (giant growth) attempts to resolve, the target is no longer valid and the spell is, in according to the rules and mechanics of the game, countered.
This card by-passes this rule. Why? because you can place the trigger of swapping your card for their card on to the stack and return YOUR creature back to your hand. Normally, be... (see all)
Posted By:
keikun332
(7/8/2010 8:17:01 PM)
Am I the only one who sees no point to the last line in Gatherer: "This ability can't be countered except by spells and abilities." Well, D'uh! I don't know of anything else that can counter something... and in that case, why specify this?
Posted By:
djbon2112
(5/23/2010 5:24:30 PM)
My theory is that the text is in there because if your opponent were to somehow make the creature you target an illegal target, or were to bounce/kill your target, the second ability would go off rather than the ability as a whole being countered.
Posted By:
drp527
(9/7/2009 7:24:48 PM)
I cast gilded drake and and swap that out with target player's creature. I cast act of treason on gilded drake to gain control of it. Does it stay in my control because I own it or does it go back to player I gave control of it?
Posted By:
Guest2018383897
(5/16/2010 2:50:13 PM)
In EDH Capsize or Mimic Vat this thief and just look at your opponents faces. Priceless. 5/5
Posted By:
MookieXD
(2/15/2011 7:06:25 PM)
+ Erratic Portal it become obvious .
Posted By:
MojoVince
(3/21/2010 11:45:47 AM)