Countermagic and the Stack
Stopping a spell before it ever happens — and the rules that let you.
When a spell is cast it goes on the stack and waits. Players may respond before it resolves, and counterspells use that window to answer a spell before it ever does anything.
How the stack works
- Last in, first out
- The most recently added spell or ability resolves first.
- Priority
- Each player gets a chance to respond before anything resolves.
- Hard counters
- Flatly counter the target spell, e.g. Counterspell.
- Soft counters
- Counter unless a condition is met, like paying mana.
Because counters are reactive, they shine as instants held up on your opponent's turn.
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Example cards
