If a counter spell is cast targeting (insert spell here), can I cast {shunt} and change it's target of the counter spell to itself?
No but you can change the target of the counterspell to {stunt}
Quote from: DrainCleaner on October 09, 2014, 11:10:06 AM
No but you can change the target of the counterspell to {stunt}
doesnt that create an infinite paradox, since {stunt} is now being countered, so it couldnt have changed the target of the counter in the first place?
Quote from: mickeven on October 09, 2014, 11:26:06 AM
Quote from: DrainCleaner on October 09, 2014, 11:10:06 AM
No but you can change the target of the counterspell to {stunt}
doesnt that create an infinite paradox, since {stunt} is now being countered, so it couldnt have changed the target of the counter in the first place?
The target of the counterspell is changed to stunt. Immediately after, stunt finishes resolving and leaves the stack. The counterspell now has no valid target and is countered.
this is why spells like {misdirection} are good since they can basically counter spells like {last word} by redirecting the counter spell to {misdirection} itself.
I can change the target of a counter spell to a card that'll resolve before it? That's wierd, but that'll work. Thanks guys
It's all about the stack. Because the redirecting spell is on the stack when the counter spell is being redirected it is a valid target but once the spell resolves and leaves the stack the counter spell fizzles because it has nothing left to counter. It would be the same as if you attempted to kill a cresture with {Doom Blade} but before doom blade resolves the creature leaves the battlefield. Doom blade initially had a valid target but fizzles afterwords
Just remember that a spell on the stack is an invalid target for itself, and you'll be good to go.