If you play Gust in reaction to Quick Draw does it resolve before the equipment?
Yes, if you play Gust in reaction to the Quick-Draw triggered ability, Gust will resolve before the equipment attaches.
This happens because the Quick-Draw keyword creates a triggered ability that goes on the chain. Because it is on the chain, players have the opportunity to add Reactions to it. When the chain resolves, it does so in Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) order.
The Sequence of Events
- Playing the Gear: Your opponent plays a Gear card with Quick-Draw. It enters the battlefield at their base immediately. This action does not use the chain, and you cannot react to the Gear card itself being played.
- Triggered Ability: The Quick-Draw keyword automatically places its "When you play this, attach it to a Unit you control" triggered ability on the chain. This ability targets a unit.
- Reaction Window: Because the Quick-Draw ability is now on the chain, you gain priority and may play Gust as a reaction.
- Resolution (LIFO):
- Gust Resolves First: Since Gust was the last item added to the chain, it resolves first. If Gust successfully returns the targeted unit to its owner's hand, that unit is no longer on the battlefield.
- Attachment Attempts to Resolve: The Quick-Draw triggered ability then attempts to resolve. Because its target is no longer on the battlefield, the instruction to attach cannot be followed. The ability "whiffs" (resolves with no effect).
Important Clarifications
- The Gear Remains: As established in RiftJudge FAQ #3886, if the attachment fails, the equipment is not destroyed or sent to the trash; it simply remains unattached at the opponent's base.
- Targeting: Gust is a legal response to the Quick-Draw trigger, provided the unit meets Gust's targeting requirements (e.g., 3 Might or less).
- No Fizzling: In Riftbound, we use the term "whiff" rather than "fizzle." The ability still resolves, but because the target is invalid, it results in no effect.
This interpretation is based on Rule 819 and the established mechanics of the chain and Quick-Draw as outlined in RiftJudge FAQs #9577, #8442, and #3886.