Modal Spells and Choosing Modes

When you choose

You choose modes as you cast the spell, while putting it on the stack (rules 601.2b, 700.2). You also choose targets required by those modes at that time. Opponents see the chosen modes once the spell is cast.

A mode is not a separate spell or a suggestion about what might happen later. It is part of the spell’s announced choices, alongside targets, alternative costs, and other casting decisions. If a spell requires a target for the selected mode, that target must be legal during casting or the spell cannot be cast that way.

This choice is made before the spell becomes a finished object on the stack. Once players receive priority, they can respond to the spell, its targets, and its chosen modes, but they normally cannot replace the selected mode with another one. A copy effect follows the original choices unless its own text explicitly offers a new choice.

What you can’t do later

You generally cannot change modes in response. Counterspells and other responses see the spell with its chosen modes. If a mode becomes impossible, rules about illegal targets or impossible actions may cause that part to fail on resolution—they do not let you pick a new mode for free.

“Choose one or both” and multi-mode

Some spells allow multiple modes. You choose which combination as you cast, within what the card allows, and pay any extra costs the card requires for additional modes.

Copies and modes

A copy of a modal spell usually copies the chosen modes of the original (rule 707), unless the copy effect says you may choose new modes.

Common mistakes

Trying to “leave the mode open” until resolution.

Adding targets for a mode you did not choose.

Forgetting that choosing modes is part of casting, not part of resolving.

Source and verification

Rules 700.2 (modal spells) and 601 (casting). Always follow the card’s specific modal structure. At a sanctioned event, ask the event judge.

Related guides

• How the Stack and Priority Work in Magic

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• Copying Spells vs Copying Permanents

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