Explain the interaction between Counterstrike and Falling Star. Does Counterstrike prevent damage from Falling Star if it was chosen as both of its damage dealing effects?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, **Counter Strike** can prevent damage from **Falling Star**, even if you target the same unit with both instances of damage. However, because **Counter Strike** creates a delayed replacement effect that is consumed after a single damage event, you would need to play two copies of **Counter Strike** to prevent both instances of damage.

### How the Interaction Works

According to the official FAQ regarding this specific interaction:

1.  **Playing the Cards:** You play **Falling Star**, targeting your unit with both instances of 3 damage. In response, you play two **Counter Strike** cards targeting that same unit.
2.  **Chain Resolution:** Both **Counter Strike** cards resolve first, creating two separate delayed replacement effects on your unit.
3.  **Damage Application:** When **Falling Star** resolves, it deals its first instance of 3 damage.
    *   Because you have two active **Counter Strike** effects, you (as the owner of the unit being damaged) choose which one to apply.
    *   You apply one **Counter Strike** effect to prevent the first 3 damage. That effect is now consumed.
4.  **Second Instance:** When **Falling Star** deals its second instance of 3 damage, the second **Counter Strike** effect is still active and applies to prevent that damage as well.

### Key Nuances
*   **Delayed Replacement Effect:** **Counter Strike** does not grant a permanent ability to the unit; it creates a "delayed replacement effect" that waits for the next damage event.
*   **Consumption:** Each **Counter Strike** effect is consumed only when it is applied to a specific damage event.
*   **Owner's Choice:** When multiple replacement effects are applicable to the same event, the owner of the object being acted upon (your unit) determines the order in which they are applied.

**Summary:** If you only play one **Counter Strike**, it will prevent the first 3 damage, but the second 3 damage will still be dealt to your unit. To prevent both, you must play two copies of **Counter Strike**.