Ajani's Response is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
This spell costsless to cast if it targets a tapped creature. Destroy target creature.
Complete guide
Ajani's Response is a white instant that offers efficient removal for creatures caught off guard. While its base cost is high, it rewards tactical timing by becoming significantly cheaper when your opponent's creatures are tapped. This guide will walk you through the timing and cost reduction mechanics of this powerful removal spell.
Variable Casting Costs
The primary strength of Ajani's Response is its cost reduction ability. If the spell targets a creature that is currently tapped, the cost is reduced by {3}, bringing it down to a single White mana and one generic mana. Note that the mana value of the spell remains 5 regardless of what you actually pay, which is important if your opponent tries to counter it based on its mana value.
Step-by-Step Resolution
When you cast the spell, you first choose a target creature. If that creature is tapped at the moment you announce the spell, the game calculates the reduced cost. Once you pay the mana and the spell is on the stack, it stays there until both players pass priority. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal; if it is, the creature is destroyed and placed in its owner's graveyard.
Common Mistakes
A common error is trying to reduce the cost by tapping the target creature in response to casting the spell. The cost reduction is determined at the moment you cast the spell, so the creature must already be tapped before you begin the casting process. Additionally, if the creature is untapped after the spell is cast but before it resolves, the spell still functions normally and destroys the target, as the cost was already paid.
Strategic Timing
The best time to cast Ajani's Response is usually right after your opponent attacks, as their creatures will be tapped and the spell will be at its cheapest. It is also effective against creatures with activated abilities that require tapping, allowing you to punish them for using their effects during your turn.
Interaction examples
Your opponent attacks with a creature. During the declare attackers step, the creature becomes tapped. You now have priority to cast Ajani's Response for only {1}{W} to destroy that attacking creature before it deals damage.
Akroma's WillYou target an opponent's tapped creature with Ajani's Response for {1}{W}. In response, your opponent casts Akroma's Will, choosing the mode that gives their creatures protection from each color. When Ajani's Response tries to resolve, it sees its target now has protection from white. The spell fails to resolve because the target is now illegal.
Clever ConcealmentYou cast Ajani's Response targeting a tapped creature. Your opponent casts Clever Concealment to phase out that creature. Because the creature phases out, it is treated as though it doesn't exist. Ajani's Response will be removed from the stack and do nothing because its target is no longer on the battlefield.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Ajani's Response
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying, add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions (such as that of Ajani's Response's first ability). The mana value of the spell is determined by only its mana cost, no matter what the total cost to cast that spell was.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Ajani's Response
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