If I play a spell that targets something with Deflect and my spell gets countered, do I still pay the Deflect cost?

Ruling: Yes, you must pay the Deflect cost before the spell can be countered.

Sequence:

• You put your spell in the chase
• You target and pay all costs (including Deflect as a forced additional cost)
• Only then can the spell be countered

Nuances:

• Deflect is a forced additional cost that must be paid when targeting, not when the spell resolves