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Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules Changes

Eventide to Shards of Alara (Single Change View)

General changes

Old rule (Eventide) New rule (Shards of Alara)

424.6.

Some spells, activated abilities, and triggered abilities read, "[X]. If [a player] [does or doesn't], [effect]." or "[a player] may [X]. If [that player] [does or doesn't], [effect]." The action [X] is a cost, paid when the spell or ability resolves. The "If [a player] [does or doesn't]" clause checks whether the player chose to pay an optional cost or started to pay a mandatory cost, regardless of what events actually occurred.

Example: You control Hesitation, an enchantment that says "When a spell is played, sacrifice Hesitation. If you do, counter that spell." A spell is played, causing Hesitation's ability to trigger. Then an ability is played that removes Hesitation from the game. When Hesitation's ability resolves, you're unable to pay the "sacrifice Hesitation" cost. The spell is not countered.

Example: Your opponent has played Gather Specimens, a spell that says "If a creature would come into play under an opponent's control this turn, it comes into play under your control instead." You control a face-down Dermoplasm, a creature with morph that says "When Dermoplasm is turned face up, you may put a creature card with morph from your hand into play face up. If you do, return Dermoplasm to its owner's hand." You turn Dermoplasm face up, and you choose to put a creature card with morph from your hand into play. Due to Gather Specimens, it comes into play under your opponent's control instead of yours. However, since you chose to pay the cost, Dermoplasm is still returned to its owner's hand.