If I reveal a hidden card on opponent's turn, does it count toward Viktor Innovator's passive? And if the opponent then plays a counter spell, does the passive still proc?
1. Does revealing a hidden card on your opponent's turn count toward Viktor, Innovator's passive?
Yes. Playing a card from hidden counts as playing a card. According to FAQ #4541 and FAQ #8500, playing a card from hidden is a valid way to "play a card," which triggers Viktor, Innovator's ability.
2. If your opponent plays a counter spell, does the passive still proc?
No. If your hidden card is countered, it is not considered to have been played, and therefore Viktor, Innovator's ability will not trigger.
According to Rule 412.1.b: "A card that is Countered is not considered to have been played." Because the card never finishes the process of being played, it fails to meet the condition for "When you play a card" triggered abilities. This is further supported by FAQ #8484, which explicitly states that if a card is countered, Viktor, Innovator will not trigger and you will not get the Recruit token.
Summary of the Sequence
- Play from Hidden: You reveal your hidden card (Spell, Unit, or Gear). This places the card on the chain.
- Counter: Your opponent plays a card with a "Counter" effect (e.g., Defy) targeting your card on the chain.
- Resolution: The counter resolves first (LIFO). Your card is negated and sent to the Trash.
- Trigger Check: Because your card was countered, it is not considered "played." Consequently, Viktor, Innovator's "When you play a card" trigger never occurs.
Note: Rule 412.1 defines countering as "the act of negating the execution, activation, or otherwise playing of a card." It does not restrict this action to spells. Therefore, any card being played (including units and gear) can be countered if a game effect allows it.