iMtG Server: Gathering

Magic (The Gathering) => Rules => Topic started by: Alexzang, etherium envoy on October 06, 2013, 03:45:02 PM

Title: Master of the top
Post by: Alexzang, etherium envoy on October 06, 2013, 03:45:02 PM
Want to see if this works. As a rules advisor, I don't see a reason why if doesn't, but let's double check. Pretty sure one can activate {Sensei's divining top}s draw ability, and respond with {master transmuter}s ability to return it to your hand, and you still get to draw a card without ditching top, correct?
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Keyeto on October 06, 2013, 04:00:09 PM
Yep! This works out just fine, so long as you use the stack correctly.

RESOLVED
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Alexzang, etherium envoy on October 06, 2013, 05:05:05 PM
Thought so thanks
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Cipher89 on October 08, 2013, 12:23:36 PM
How? I thought u cudnt have half of an ability resolve and then have another completely resolve I'm a bit confused
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Remillo on October 08, 2013, 12:29:34 PM
Quote from: Cipher89 on October 08, 2013, 12:23:36 PM
How? I thought u cudnt have half of an ability resolve and then have another completely resolve I'm a bit confused

This works because of how abilities try to resolve.  If a spell or ability has any legal targets (or doesn't target at all) when it goes to resolve, it will do as much as it can.  If you cast a spell with three targets, and two of them become illegal, the spell will still do as much as it can, because it still has a legal target.

Because Drawing the card from Top doesn't hinge on the Top going back on the library, you can bounce it with Transmuter's ability to drop another artifact.  Then, when the Top's ability goes to resolve, it says "Alright, draw your card.  Now that you've done that, is my top on the board?  No?  Oh well, you keep your card."

Sorry that I can't explain this better.  If anyone else wants to take a stab at it, go right ahead.
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Keyeto on October 08, 2013, 12:41:58 PM
Quote from: Cipher89 on October 08, 2013, 12:23:36 PM
How? I thought u cudnt have half of an ability resolve and then have another completely resolve I'm a bit confused
Remillo nailed it, but here's some more explaining, to make sure everything is clear here.

Basically, nothing is "half resolving" in this interaction. It'll look like this.

First, you activate the top.
It's ability goes on the stack.
Before it starts to resolve, activate the transmuter'a ability. The stack should look as follows:

(Top)
Transmuter's ability
Top's ability
(Bottom)

Now everything will resolve. The Transmuter will go off, and return the top to your hand.
Then, the Top's ability will go off, and have you draw a card, then return the top to your hand. Since drawing the card is not conditional upon you returning the top, you draw your card and move on.

It's also important to note that activated abilities are independent of their sources, so just because the top isn't on the field, doesn't mean its ability won't go off.

Hopefully Remillo and I cleared everything up for you!
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Remillo on October 08, 2013, 12:52:36 PM
Quote from: Keyeto on October 08, 2013, 12:41:58 PMNow everything will resolve. The Transmuter will go off, and return the top to your hand.

Do note that returning an artifact to your hand is part of the cost of activating Transmuter.  Heck, if you had nothing else to drop, you could just bounce and re-play the Top to just net a one-card Draw for U
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Keyeto on October 08, 2013, 12:56:56 PM
Quote from: Remillo on October 08, 2013, 12:52:36 PM
Quote from: Keyeto on October 08, 2013, 12:41:58 PMNow everything will resolve. The Transmuter will go off, and return the top to your hand.

Do note that returning an artifact to your hand is part of the cost of activating Transmuter.  Heck, if you had nothing else to drop, you could just bounce and re-play the Top to just net a one-card Draw for U
Good catch! That's what I get for trying to rush through an explanation!
Title: Re: Master of the top
Post by: Cipher89 on October 08, 2013, 01:03:04 PM
Thanks that was rly helpful