In general with spells or abilities that return target creature from gy to play
Do I have to respond immediately or can I wait for them to name a target
For ex {surgical extraction} {unburial rites}
more specifically, how do you know if a card is named on casting or resolution?
114.1. Some spells and abilities require their controller to choose one or more targets for them. The targets are object(s), player(s), and/or zone(s) the spell or ability will affect. These targets are declared as part of the process of putting the spell or ability on the stack. The targets can't be changed except by another spell or ability that explicitly says it can do so.
So yes, you can extract the unburial target in response, as both target, and targets are chosen upon casting.
My understanding is you want them to target. Using the example cards u gave. They cast rites targeting whatever, u answer with extraction. Stack resolves top to bottom so now the target exiles, rites has no legal target so it fizzles.
I just didn't know if I would miss the timing to activate surgical if I didn't do it as a response to the card.
Quote from: DirtyMustachio on December 15, 2013, 12:54:25 PM
I just didn't know if I would miss the timing to activate surgical if I didn't do it as a response to the card.
Yeah, you'd have to extraction in response to unburial.
It goes like this:
They cast a reanimator spell naming a target, then they pass priority. You cast {surgical extraction} naming their target. The stack resolves (assuming nothing else happens) and their target is exiled and the reanimation fails.
Quote from: abstractApathist on December 15, 2013, 01:13:20 PM
It goes like this:
They cast a reanimator spell naming a target, then they pass priority. You cast {surgical extraction} naming their target. The stack resolves (assuming nothing else happens) and their target is exiled and the reanimation fails.
This is how I understand it. It's why extraction beats cards like {Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre} in mill decks.
Thanks everyone