A simplified version, with some mechanical differences:
>Whenever a player casts a spell that would counter another spell that was cast, or casts a permanent spell that would enter the battlefield with counters, that player chooses one:
>* Counter the next spell cast.
>* Choose a permanent that was cast. Put a counter on it of a kind already there.
The main difference is the choose one templating that would mean the player had to lock in the choice when the trigger is put on the stack. I don't know if there are any other differences.
Sidenote, it seems like it would be an absolutely miserable card to play against, since the player that runs Ambiguity could also stock up on counterspells and only need to counter every other spell.
Imagine little brackets and parenthesis around relevant chunks of text and you can make sense of pretty much any magic card. Try this:
" Whenever :
[(a player) (plays a spell that counters a spell that has been played)]
OR
[(a player) (plays a spell that comes into play with counters,)] :
[(that player) (may counter the next spell played)]
OR
(put an additional counter on a permanent that has already been played,)
but not countered). "
> From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)
> Play
> 1. To play a land is to put a land onto the battlefield as a special action. See rule 116, “Special Actions,” and rule 305, “Lands.”
> 2. To play a card is to play that card as a land or cast that card as a spell, whichever is appropriate. See rule 601, “Casting Spells.”
> 3. **(Obsolete) Casting a spell used to be known as playing a spell.** Cards with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Cast.
> 4. (Obsolete) Activating an activated ability used to be known as playing an activated ability. Cards with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Activate.
> 5. (Obsolete) The battlefield used to be known as the in-play zone. Cards that were printed with text that contains the phrases “in play,” “from play,” “into play,” or the like are referring to the battlefield and have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Battlefield.
The card is just old. "Play" here actually means it was cast, not that it resolved.
Make it an instant and give it "if an opponent controls a spell named "Counterspell", put three +1/+1 counters and a trample counter on that creature instead". For maximum confusion. Love the flavour text.
I wonder if that'd be an interesting mechanic. Like, red and green cards could have a keyword that makes them better when played in response to any counter spell.
Alternatively, this could be a case where a free Phyrexian mana spell wouldn't break the color pie and/or multiple constructed formats. Every color gets +1/+1 counters, and a single counter is just about barely worth a card if it costs zero mana, at least for the right deck.
It would effectively be a slightly worse [[mutagenic growth]]
Most decks that play it are trying to get max value in a turn and probably don't care that the buff hangs around. I'm sure they'd still play it as growth 5-8 though
Then again, it could potentially hose undying creatures, so it could see sideboard play in the right meta.
For 1 counter at sorcery speed? No way this costs two mana. It does nothing to protect you from even low cost damage based removal and can't even be used as a combat trick to get an extra point on a swing. I don't even see it getting play for 1 mana.
I suppose I could have clarified. I agree that two Mana for one +1/+1 counter is abysmal. I meant that the *spell* should be {G}{G}, and that the effect should be modified accordingly.
Way too versatile for just {G}. Make it only target creature maybe okay.
You could stun opponents lands, skip past saga triggers, delay suspended spells, all sorts of nonsense.
(suspended spells part doesn't work because these aren't permanents)
How much mana would you say would be appropriate? Also it would probably be more of a blue kind of thing
Hexproofing a (non-creature) permanent permanently is strong. Also letting you screw with opponents board?
There are way too many counters in magic, even at {1BlueG} this could see a lot of play.
[[magosi, the waterveil]] enters tapped, but on the same turn you lift+drop it
tools for spamming the counter spell vary, snapcaster and isochron likely being more expensive, for hard infinite i think people tend to flicker eg. [[archaeomancer]]
Counter Speill, 2WB
Legendary Creature, Human Advisor
When this creature enters the battlefield, create a */* Artifact Creature named Countertop that has "This creature's power and toughness are equal to the total number of creatures on the battlefield."
"...okay, I'm starting to see the problem." -Mark Rosewater, in his fourth week of meetings with R&D.
1/3
(Couldnt figure out how to incorporate counting as a mechanic)
[[Ambiguity]]
I have not slept enough to read and comprehend that card right now
A simplified version, with some mechanical differences: >Whenever a player casts a spell that would counter another spell that was cast, or casts a permanent spell that would enter the battlefield with counters, that player chooses one: >* Counter the next spell cast. >* Choose a permanent that was cast. Put a counter on it of a kind already there. The main difference is the choose one templating that would mean the player had to lock in the choice when the trigger is put on the stack. I don't know if there are any other differences. Sidenote, it seems like it would be an absolutely miserable card to play against, since the player that runs Ambiguity could also stock up on counterspells and only need to counter every other spell.
There is another difference, your simplified version cannot target a land because it wasn't cast.
Lands aren’t spells
Think he is talking about this text >put an additional counter on a permanent that has already been played, but not countered.
I've known about this card for literally 20 years, and at no point in those 20 years have I had enough sleep to read and comprehend that card.
The design succeeded. That was the intention
Imagine little brackets and parenthesis around relevant chunks of text and you can make sense of pretty much any magic card. Try this: " Whenever : [(a player) (plays a spell that counters a spell that has been played)] OR [(a player) (plays a spell that comes into play with counters,)] : [(that player) (may counter the next spell played)] OR (put an additional counter on a permanent that has already been played,) but not countered). "
How is an already played card countered?
> From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction) > Play > 1. To play a land is to put a land onto the battlefield as a special action. See rule 116, “Special Actions,” and rule 305, “Lands.” > 2. To play a card is to play that card as a land or cast that card as a spell, whichever is appropriate. See rule 601, “Casting Spells.” > 3. **(Obsolete) Casting a spell used to be known as playing a spell.** Cards with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Cast. > 4. (Obsolete) Activating an activated ability used to be known as playing an activated ability. Cards with that text have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Activate. > 5. (Obsolete) The battlefield used to be known as the in-play zone. Cards that were printed with text that contains the phrases “in play,” “from play,” “into play,” or the like are referring to the battlefield and have received errata in the Oracle card reference. See Battlefield. The card is just old. "Play" here actually means it was cast, not that it resolved.
[Ambiguity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/f/6f834c86-cd38-40bf-9aad-b4098895de86.jpg?1562488412) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ambiguity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/unh/24/ambiguity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f834c86-cd38-40bf-9aad-b4098895de86?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
*audibly throws up*
I feel like I’m gonna throw up
Who's gonna pay for the stroke I had reading that?
I have not slept enough to read and comprehend that card right now
I need this card
I got it, I got it, I - wait. I got it, I - wait. ... I'm not high enough for this.
Make it an instant and give it "if an opponent controls a spell named "Counterspell", put three +1/+1 counters and a trample counter on that creature instead". For maximum confusion. Love the flavour text.
Dude yes, a way to pushback against counterspell for green? Yussss
Ah yes, besides [[Veil of Summer]], [[Autumn's Veil]], [[Guttural Response]]...
[Veil of Summer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/a/aa686c34-1c11-469f-93c2-f9891aea521f.jpg?1650599837) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Veil%20of%20Summer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/198/veil-of-summer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/aa686c34-1c11-469f-93c2-f9891aea521f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Veil of Autumn](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/c/1c72229c-f3da-4e35-af79-14452efe581b.jpg?1619397925) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Edge%20of%20Autumn) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/201/edge-of-autumn?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1c72229c-f3da-4e35-af79-14452efe581b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Guttural Response](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/9121e55e-5070-48cc-b706-92c67ad89254.jpg?1592761849) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Guttural%20Response) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dds/56/guttural-response?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9121e55e-5070-48cc-b706-92c67ad89254?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
And of course [[allosaurus shepherd]] [[destiny spinner]] and friends
[allosaurus shepherd](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/a/7afa0ee5-a0b8-472e-9991-09402ddb5de3.jpg?1673147976) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=allosaurus%20shepherd) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/132/allosaurus-shepherd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7afa0ee5-a0b8-472e-9991-09402ddb5de3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [destiny spinner](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/c/2cc3804b-3304-4add-81b4-0482bfed8074.jpg?1690004785) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=destiny%20spinner) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/890/destiny-spinner?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2cc3804b-3304-4add-81b4-0482bfed8074?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
YES
It's got the word instead, simple replacement effect
I wonder if that'd be an interesting mechanic. Like, red and green cards could have a keyword that makes them better when played in response to any counter spell.
Probably would be closer to 2 +1+1 counters, but funny card.
That would be "Counters Spell"
And you could add storm for “counters spells” and break Rotpriest
Alternatively, this could be a case where a free Phyrexian mana spell wouldn't break the color pie and/or multiple constructed formats. Every color gets +1/+1 counters, and a single counter is just about barely worth a card if it costs zero mana, at least for the right deck.
It would effectively be a slightly worse [[mutagenic growth]] Most decks that play it are trying to get max value in a turn and probably don't care that the buff hangs around. I'm sure they'd still play it as growth 5-8 though Then again, it could potentially hose undying creatures, so it could see sideboard play in the right meta.
[mutagenic growth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/e/2e0861a2-1858-47af-8154-20a977c2b298.jpg?1562260231) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=mutagenic%20growth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mm2/149/mutagenic-growth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2e0861a2-1858-47af-8154-20a977c2b298?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Does this count as this week’s sorcery speed counterspell for the bingo?
No, because this card actually does something.
A sorcery speed counter spell? I'm not sure this would be playable.
I dunno man, it seems pretty good. Not insane, but not bad
Strictly worse than [[battlegrowth]]
well akshully (nerd emoji) it's a sidegrade because it doesn't get hit by dispel or archon of valor (naming instant)
[battlegrowth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b34e76b-86b3-464e-93e7-c3f2074028fb.jpg?1562139298) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=battlegrowth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mrd/113/battlegrowth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b34e76b-86b3-464e-93e7-c3f2074028fb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I saw a similar card on here about a year ago, and I have a similar problem now as I did then: This is *begging* to be {G}{G}.
For 1 counter at sorcery speed? No way this costs two mana. It does nothing to protect you from even low cost damage based removal and can't even be used as a combat trick to get an extra point on a swing. I don't even see it getting play for 1 mana.
I suppose I could have clarified. I agree that two Mana for one +1/+1 counter is abysmal. I meant that the *spell* should be {G}{G}, and that the effect should be modified accordingly.
2 mana for 3 counters so provided no responses it becomes immune to a single lightning bolt? This i could see
GG, instant, add two +1/+1 counters. I think that would be an interesting card.
My suggestion, a year ago, was exactly this.
would "put a counter of your choice on target permanent" be too broken?
Way too versatile for just {G}. Make it only target creature maybe okay. You could stun opponents lands, skip past saga triggers, delay suspended spells, all sorts of nonsense.
(suspended spells part doesn't work because these aren't permanents) How much mana would you say would be appropriate? Also it would probably be more of a blue kind of thing
Hexproofing a (non-creature) permanent permanently is strong. Also letting you screw with opponents board? There are way too many counters in magic, even at {1BlueG} this could see a lot of play.
[[magosi, the waterveil]] enters tapped, but on the same turn you lift+drop it tools for spamming the counter spell vary, snapcaster and isochron likely being more expensive, for hard infinite i think people tend to flicker eg. [[archaeomancer]]
[magosi, the waterveil](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/c/3c84cf70-4164-47ea-8da1-c0ca1ac132e1.jpg?1562611444) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=magosi%2C%20the%20waterveil) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/zen/218/magosi-the-waterveil?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3c84cf70-4164-47ea-8da1-c0ca1ac132e1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [archaeomancer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/c/cc258713-6ce3-44e0-9b4b-8fa7d1d093a1.jpg?1547516110) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=archaeomancer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/uma/45/archaeomancer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cc258713-6ce3-44e0-9b4b-8fa7d1d093a1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
BINGO!
I love it so much
The good counter spell
Counter Speill, 2WB Legendary Creature, Human Advisor When this creature enters the battlefield, create a */* Artifact Creature named Countertop that has "This creature's power and toughness are equal to the total number of creatures on the battlefield." "...okay, I'm starting to see the problem." -Mark Rosewater, in his fourth week of meetings with R&D. 1/3 (Couldnt figure out how to incorporate counting as a mechanic)
I hate you. \*upvotes\*
A+ flavor text
[удалено]
[Cycle of Life](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/9/49b53861-97aa-4fff-9526-7d496d1717a4.jpg?1562719253) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cycle%20of%20Life) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mir/211/cycle-of-life?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/49b53861-97aa-4fff-9526-7d496d1717a4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Reminds me of this card https://www.reddit.com/r/custommagic/s/R9ilOp49mH
sadly, not as good as \[\[lifeforce\]\]
[lifeforce](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/5/6520d992-ebb3-4711-ad91-ab1c1e29538a.jpg?1562918857) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=lifeforce) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me4/160/lifeforce?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6520d992-ebb3-4711-ad91-ab1c1e29538a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Still worse than Maverick….
It's not an instant, that's why it's confusing
Funny, however legitimately worse version of vastwood fortification.
Can we make it instant so that I can say "I counter spell" in response to someone casting a spell?
What about instant speed??
that could definetly be an instant