Freeze in PlaceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Locking Down the Board

When you cast Freeze in Place, you choose one target creature controlled by an opponent. Upon resolution, the creature is tapped and receives three stun counters. Stun counters are a specific type of counter that prevents a permanent from untapping; if a permanent with a stun counter would become untapped, one counter is removed instead of the permanent untapping. This means the creature will stay tapped during its controller's next three untap steps unless the counters are removed by other means.

Resolving the Spell

The resolution follows a strict sequence: first, the targeted creature is tapped. Second, three stun counters are placed on that creature. Third, you Scry 2, looking at the top two cards of your library and putting any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order. Notably, if the creature is already tapped when the spell resolves, the spell still functions fully: the creature still receives the three stun counters, and you still proceed to Scry 2.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming you can Scry 2 even if the target creature leaves the battlefield or becomes illegal (such as gaining Hexproof) in response to the spell. If the target is no longer legal as Freeze in Place attempts to resolve, the entire spell is removed from the stack and none of its effects happen, meaning you do not get to Scry. Additionally, remember that stun counters only replace the act of untapping; they do not prevent the creature from being affected by other spells or using abilities that do not require tapping.

Strategic Scrying

The Scry 2 effect is a powerful secondary benefit that helps you dig for answers or set up your next turn. Because the Scry happens after the creature is locked down, you can evaluate the new board state before deciding which cards to keep on top of your library. This makes the card a valuable tool for tempo decks that need to maintain pressure while ensuring they don't draw redundant land cards in the late game.

Interaction examples

Maximizing Card Quality

Ponder

If you have Ponder in hand, you can use Freeze in Place first to clear the top of your library of unwanted cards via Scry 2. Once you have filtered the top, you can cast Ponder to look even deeper or shuffle if the Scry revealed nothing useful, ensuring you find the specific answers you need.

Setting Up the Perfect Hand

Windfall

Before casting Windfall to refresh everyone's hand, use Freeze in Place to target an opponent's creature. The Scry 2 allows you to put two cards you don't want to draw on the bottom of your library. When Windfall resolves, you will draw a fresh hand from a library that has been slightly optimized, increasing the chances of drawing high-impact spells.