0

Can I react with Star Crossed to Elder Dragon's played ability when my opponent plays it?

verified
FAQ #10299·May 13, 2026·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

Yes, you can react to the Elder Dragon's "When you play me" ability with Star-Crossed.

Why this works:

  1. Chain Rules: When you play a unit with a "When you play me" (WYPM) triggered ability, the unit enters the battlefield immediately, and then the ability is placed on the chain. Placing this ability on the chain creates a Closed State, which allows players to play [Reaction] cards.
  2. Star-Crossed as a Reaction: Because Star-Crossed has the [Reaction] tag, it can be played while the chain is in a Closed State to target abilities already on the chain.

Sequence of Events:

  1. Opponent plays Elder Dragon: The unit enters the battlefield.
  2. Triggered Ability: The "When you play me" ability is placed on the chain. This creates a Closed State.
  3. Your Reaction: You play Star-Crossed as a [Reaction], adding it to the top of the chain, targeting a friendly unit and an enemy unit (which can include the Elder Dragon itself, if you choose).
  4. Resolution (LIFO - Last-In, First-Out):
    • Star-Crossed resolves first: It returns the targeted friendly unit and the targeted enemy unit to their owners' hands.
    • Elder Dragon's ability resolves second: The ability attempts to resolve against its remaining targets. If the targeted enemy unit was returned to the hand by Star-Crossed, that specific portion of the effect fails to execute because the target is no longer available.

According to the rules regarding chain interaction, any ability placed on the chain is a valid target for reactions unless it is a passive ability (which does not use the chain) or a permanent entering the board. Since the "When you play me" effect is a triggered ability on the chain, it is perfectly legal to react to it.

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Log in to comment.

Open Proposals (0)

No pending proposals.

Log in to propose edits.