Player A targets a unit with Stupefy. Player B reacts with Riposte, targeting Stupefy and the unit Player A targeted. Player A reacts with Defy, countering his own Stupefy. When Riposte resolves, will it give additional might to the unit?

verified
FAQ #8450·February 26, 2026·Rules v1.4·Asked before Vendetta
Answer

No, Riposte will not give additional might to the unit.

According to the rules of the chain and spell resolution ( and 356.3.e.10), if a spell's target becomes invalid or unavailable by the time it attempts to execute, that instruction will not execute.

Sequence of Events:

  1. Player A plays Stupefy (Target: Unit).
  2. Player B reacts with Riposte (Targets: Stupefy and Unit).
  3. Player A reacts with Defy (Target: Stupefy).

Resolution (LIFO - Last In, First Out):

  1. Defy resolves: It counters Stupefy. Stupefy is removed from the chain and sent to the trash.
  2. Riposte resolves: It attempts to execute its instructions. However, one of its targets (Stupefy) is no longer on the chain.
    • Because the instruction "Counter that spell" cannot be performed (the target is gone), the subsequent part of that instruction—"and give that unit +equal to that spell's Energy cost"—cannot calculate a value.
    • According to Rule 356.3.e.12: "If the spell checks information about a target that is no longer legal... that check returns 'null' and all calculations based on it are ignored."
  3. Since the energy cost of a "null" target cannot be determined, the unit receives no might bonus.

Final Result: Stupefy is countered by Defy. Riposte resolves but fails to provide a might buff because its primary target (the spell to be countered) was already removed from the chain.

Does this answer look correct?

0
Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Log in to comment.

Open Proposals (0)

No pending proposals.

Log in to propose edits.