When using Hard Bargain's repeat ability, does the opponent have to exhaust 4 runes total to play their spell, and does it counter spells like Flash if they don't have enough runes?

Ruling: Hard Bargain with repeat forces the opponent to pay 2 energy twice (4 total) or their spell is countered. The opponent can choose not to pay even if they have the energy available, which would result in their spell being countered.

Sequence:

• Opponent plays a spell and pays its normal cost
• You play Hard Bargain with repeat in response
• Opponent must decide whether to pay 4 energy total (2 energy twice due to repeat)
• If they cannot or choose not to pay, their spell is countered
• If they paid the original spell cost already, that energy is spent regardless

Nuances:

• The opponent can choose not to pay the 4 energy even if they have it available, allowing their spell to be countered
• This works on any spell, including Flash
• The opponent could potentially generate additional energy through other means to pay the cost
• The opponent could also counter Hard Bargain itself to avoid the effect