Does Abandoned Hall trigger when you cast a spell or when the spell finishes resolving?

Ruling: Abandoned Hall triggers when a spell finishes resolving. The phrase "when you play a spell" means after the spell has completed its resolution process, not when it is initially cast.

Sequence:

  • You play a spell and it resolves (executes its effects)
  • After the spell finishes resolving, the "when you play a spell" condition is met
  • Abandoned Hall's triggered ability is placed on the chain

Nuances:

  • If a spell is countered (defied), it never finishes resolving and is not considered to have been "played," so Abandoned Hall will not trigger.
  • Even if a spell's instructions fail (e.g., due to mistargeting), it still counts as having been played because it completed the resolution process.
FAQ #10217May 11, 2026Rule 412.1.bRule 359.3Rule 359.3.e.10