Geist Snatch — ruling 1

If the target creature spell is an illegal target when Geist Snatch tries to resolve, Geist Snatch won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t put a Spirit token onto the battlefield.

Geist Snatch — ruling 2

If Geist Snatch resolves but the creature spell can’t be countered, you’ll still put the Spirit token onto the battlefield.

Geist Snatch : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Geist Snatch 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

Counter target creature spell. Create a 1/1 blue Spirit creature token with flying.

How it works : Geist Snatch

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature spell is an illegal target when Geist Snatch tries to resolve, Geist Snatch won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t put a Spirit token onto the battlefield.
Card named in this ruling
Spirit
#2May 1, 2012· Wizards of the Coast
If Geist Snatch resolves but the creature spell can’t be countered, you’ll still put the Spirit token onto the battlefield.
Card named in this ruling
Spirit