Chalice of the Void — ruling 1

A mana cost of {X}{X} means that you pay twice X. For example, if you want X to be 3, you pay {6} to cast Chalice of the Void.

Chalice of the Void — ruling 2

The number of charge counters on Chalice of the Void matters only at the time the spell is cast. Changing the number of charge counters on Chalice of the Void after a spell has been cast won't change whether the ability triggers or counters the spell.

Chalice of the Void — ruling 3

If there are zero charge counters on Chalice of the Void, it counters each spell with a mana value of 0. This includes face-down creature spells cast with morph's alternative cost.

Chalice of the Void — ruling 4

Chalice of the Void has to be on the battlefield at the end of casting a spell for the ability to trigger. If you sacrifice Chalice of the Void as a cost to cast a spell, its ability can't trigger. However, if it leaves the battlefield once its ability has triggered, that ability will still counter the spell.

Chalice of the Void : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Chalice of the Void 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 artifact enters with X charge counters on it. Whenever a player casts a spell with mana value equal to the number of charge counters on this artifact, counter that spell.

Complete guide

Chalice of the Void is a powerful artifact that defines the tempo of competitive play by locking down specific mana costs. Its ability to disrupt an opponent's game plan starts the moment it enters the battlefield, making it a cornerstone for control and prison-style decks.

What It Does

Chalice of the Void enters the battlefield with X charge counters, where you pay twice X for the mana cost. Once on the battlefield, it monitors every spell cast by any player; if a spell's mana value matches the number of charge counters on the Chalice, its triggered ability goes on the stack to counter that spell.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When a player finishes casting a spell, Chalice of the Void checks if the mana value of that spell is equal to the number of charge counters currently on the Chalice. If they match, the Chalice's ability triggers and is put on the stack above the original spell. When the ability resolves, it counters the spell, sending it to the graveyard unless it is uncounterable. Note that changing the counters on the Chalice after the ability has triggered will not stop the spell from being countered.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that Chalice of the Void triggers for your own spells as well as your opponent's. Additionally, players often confuse the mana cost paid for the Chalice with the mana value of the spells it affects. Remember that if X is 1, you pay two mana to cast it, but it counters spells with a mana value of 1. Also, if Chalice is set to 0, it will counter spells with no mana cost, such as most tokens or spells cast for their mana value of 0.

When to Play It

You should play Chalice of the Void when you can identify the most critical mana value in your opponent's deck. In many formats, setting Chalice to 1 is a game-ending move against decks reliant on cheap cantrips or aggressive creatures. It is most effective when played early, potentially using fast mana to set X to a value that shuts down the opponent's opening moves.

Interaction examples

Locking Down the Early Game

Sol Ring

If you cast Chalice of the Void where X=1, you pay two mana and it enters with one charge counter. If a player then attempts to cast Sol Ring, which has a mana value of 1, the Chalice triggers. The Sol Ring is countered and placed in the graveyard before it can ever tap for mana.

Affecting Equipment and Low-Cost Spells

Skullclamp

With Chalice of the Void on the battlefield with one charge counter, any player attempting to cast Skullclamp will find their spell countered. Even though the equip cost is also 1, Chalice only checks the mana value of the spell itself as it is being cast. Since Skullclamp costs one mana to cast, it matches the one counter on Chalice and is countered.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Chalice of the Void

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1March 19, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
A mana cost of means that you pay twice X. For example, if you want X to be 3, you pay to cast Chalice of the Void.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2March 19, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
The number of charge counters on Chalice of the Void matters only at the time the spell is cast. Changing the number of charge counters on Chalice of the Void after a spell has been cast won't change whether the ability triggers or counters the spell.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3March 19, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
If there are zero charge counters on Chalice of the Void, it counters each spell with a mana value of 0. This includes face-down creature spells cast with morph's alternative cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4March 19, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Chalice of the Void has to be on the battlefield at the end of casting a spell for the ability to trigger. If you sacrifice Chalice of the Void as a cost to cast a spell, its ability can't trigger. However, if it leaves the battlefield once its ability has triggered, that ability will still counter the spell.
No other card is named in this ruling.