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Do you choose targets for a spell when it goes on the stack/chain or when the card resolves?

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FAQ #6251·asked by 473998176517488650·January 4, 2026·Rules v1.4·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

Ruling: All targets for all chain items are chosen when the spell is added to the chain, not when it resolves.

Nuances:

  • Some cards like Falling Star and Icathian Rain don't actually target themselves - they create separate triggers once the spell resolves, and those triggers declare their targets when being added to the chain
  • Cards that say "Do This:" create a separate trigger once the spell resolves, and that trigger will declare any targeting upon being added to the chain
  • For Hidden Blade specifically, the target is chosen when it goes on the chain, but "its controller" is determined at time of resolution - if the targeted unit can't be found at resolution (like if it was returned to hand), nobody draws cards
  • The targeted unit must still be "a unit at a battlefield" at resolution time for Hidden Blade's draw effect to work
  • Replacement effects like Zhonya's or Sett can allow you to keep your unit and still draw from Hidden Blade
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