If I have Karma and Unit A on the field, use Baited Hook on Unit A, and play a new Unit B, can I use Karma's ability to buff Unit B?

Ruling: Yes, Karma's ability can buff Unit B played via Baited Hook.

Sequence:

  • Baited Hook resolves, killing Unit A and looking at top 5 cards
  • You pick a card, banish it, then play it (Unit B is pending on the chain)
  • You recycle the rest (Karma's trigger is now pending on the chain)
  • Unit B finalizes first (oldest pending item) and enters play
  • Karma's trigger then finalizes and can target Unit B which is now on the board
  • Karma's trigger resolves, buffing Unit B

Nuances:

  • This interaction differs from Vanguard Helm, which would trigger and finalize before the unit is played via Baited Hook
  • The key is that pending items finalize in the order they were added to the chain, and Karma's trigger is added after the unit is played during Baited Hook's resolution