Deft Dismissal — ruling 1

You choose how many targets Deft Dismissal has and how the damage is divided as you cast the spell. Each target must receive at least 1 damage.

Deft Dismissal — ruling 2

If some (but not all) of the targets become illegal, the original division of damage still applies, but no damage is dealt to illegal targets. If all targets become illegal, Deft Dismissal doesn’t resolve.

Deft Dismissal : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Deft Dismissal 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

Deft Dismissal deals 3 damage divided as you choose among one, two, or three target attacking or blocking creatures.

How it works : Deft Dismissal

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1February 9, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
You choose how many targets Deft Dismissal has and how the damage is divided as you cast the spell. Each target must receive at least 1 damage.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2February 9, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
If some (but not all) of the targets become illegal, the original division of damage still applies, but no damage is dealt to illegal targets. If all targets become illegal, Deft Dismissal doesn’t resolve.
No other card is named in this ruling.