Legend Rule and SBEs

[dark_knight_307]

Ok, so I have out a Tolarian Academy, wait, bad example, I have out a Gaea's Cradle (with creatures), and tap it and some other lands to play Reap and Sow with the entwine cost payed. If I am not mistaken, SBE are not checked until the end of a spells resolution, and tapping for mana doesn't use the stack, right? So couldn't I tap the second cradle before the spell is done resolving? If not, why?

[Chainer9999]

THink about it. During a spell's resolution, can you do anything at all? It is true that mana abilities don't use the stack, but you do need priority to use mana abilities(i.e. on MTGO, you can't simply tap your mana while your opponent's busy tapping his mana). And the first time you get priority is after the resolution of the spell, and by that time, SBEs will have kicked in and your opponent will be laughing pretty hard. It's the same logic as, why can't you bring two Sivvi's into play with Tooth and search for Rebels.

[epeeguy]

During a spell's resolution, can you do anything at all? It is true that mana abilities don't use the stack, but you do need priority to use mana abilities(i.e. on MTGO, you can't simply tap your mana while your opponent's busy tapping his mana).

There is one exception to this: that is if the ability allows for the payment of mana. For example, paying {X} to Decree of Justice's triggered ability (from cycling) is paid during the resolution of the ability. You both choose and pay {X} during this time. So, you can play a mana ability during the resolution of a spell or ability, provided the spell or ability specifically allows for it. The same is true with cards like Force Spike or Mana Leak.

But, in general, it is true that you cannot tap for mana during the resolution of a spell or ability. So, using Reap and Sow to put another Legendary Land into play when one is already in play means that both will go to the graveyard as an SBE before you can tap either one for mana.

[dark_knight_307]

Ok, I understand now, I had always thought that since tapping for mana doesn't use the stack, you could tap it for mana whenever your heart desired.

What about playing lands though? That doesn't use the stack, but is it similar in the way that you can only do it when you have priority? Or is it like a sorcery - can you only do it when the stack is empty?

(Things that don't use the stack generally are my weakness. It drives me up the wall. )

[epeeguy]

What about playing lands though? That doesn't use the stack, but is it similar in the way that you can only do it when you have priority? Or is it like a sorcery - can you only do it when the stack is empty?

Well, I could tell you, but since you're a L1 in training, then it would probably be far more educational to you if you were to look it up in the CompRules. I'll give you a hint though, the appropriate rule is in the 200s.

Post the answer when you've found it.

[dark_knight_307]

Oh fine. *pouts* Be back in a minute

[dark_knight_307]

Ah hah! Found it:

212.6a:
A player may play a land card from his or her hand only during a main phase of his or her turn, and only when he or she has priority and the stack is empty. A land card isn’t a spell card, and at no time is it a spell. When a player plays a land card, it’s simply put into play. The land card doesn’t go on the stack, so players can’t respond to it with instants or activated abilities.

So that means it does act like a sorcery: It can only be played during your main phase, when you have priority, and the stack is empty.

Thanks for making me look it up, I'll be doing more of that now. You're right, it's more educational.

[Chainer9999]

Epee, thanks for pointing out the exception. I'm hoping to be a judge one day too, and it helps to know all these situational rulings.

[calabus]

I'd like to note, Epee, that you slightly misspoke. You mentioned that both Cradles would be put into the graveyard before either could be tapped for mana. In the original question he had already tapped the initial Cradle to pay for the Reap and Sow, so I believe the answer he was looking for was No, you will not have a chance to tap the 2nd cradle for mana before SBE check and find two of the same legend in play and put both of them in the graveyard.

[epeeguy]

I'd like to note, Epee, that you slightly misspoke. You mentioned that both Cradles would be put into the graveyard before either could be tapped for mana. In the original question he had already tapped the initial Cradle to pay for the Reap and Sow, so I believe the answer he was looking for was No, you will not have a chance to tap the 2nd cradle for mana before SBE check and find two of the same legend in play and put both of them in the graveyard.

Be that as it may, Dark Knight and Chainer both understood what I meant and my answer did accurately explain the situation such that he understood it. I'm sorry that you do not agree with how I explained it, and feel that I did something wrong, but the person asking the question did get the answer and understood it.