Cephalid retainer/flood

[Bleakone]

Hi, just wanting to clarify something.

Flood or cephalid retainer could not be used to stop an activated ability that requires tap, as when the ability is put onto the stack it's costs are payed, so it is tapped straight away as its put into the stack correct? So tapping it would have no effect?

[Kuberr]

If the activated ability is on your turn, then yours goes on the stack first. If he tries to flood/tap your creature in response, the ability would occur first.

I do believe that's how it works.

[Bleakone]

Well the flood/tap my creature would occur first, but would my creature be already tapped? the cost is payed as the ability goes on the stack? Or when the ability resolves?

[Kuberr]

Well the flood/tap my creature would occur first, but would my creature be already tapped? the cost is payed as the ability goes on the stack? Or when the ability resolves?

So did he tap your creature prior to you activating the ability?

[KulrathKnight]

Costs are payed before abilities go on the stack. Using {Icy Manipulator} (or similar) in response to a creature tapping to pay for an ability will net the same effect as {Terminate}ing a creature in response to a sacrifice ability like {Fallen Angel}: nothing.

Also, you can tap a creature in response to a "tap target creature" ability.

[Bleakone]

That is what I thought, so flood and tapping creatures would only be useful for making creatures unable to block before combat and making them unable to attack before the combat phase. Depending on who's turn it is.

[BlackJester]

You could also force them to use the ability right then and there.