Meddle 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
If target spell has only one target and that target is a creature, change that spell's target to another creature.
Complete guide
Meddle is a clever blue instant that allows you to redirect the focus of your opponent's spells. By interfering with their aim, you can turn a deadly removal spell into a wasted effort or a strategic advantage. It is a subtle way to protect your board while frustrating your opponent's plans.
What It Does
Meddle targets a spell on the stack that has exactly one target, and that target must be a creature. If these conditions are met, you choose a new, different creature to be the target of that spell. It is important to note that you cannot use Meddle on spells that target multiple objects or spells that target non-creature permanents like enchantments or players.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, cast Meddle by paying its mana cost and selecting a qualifying spell on the stack. When Meddle resolves, it checks if the targeted spell still has only one target and if that target is still a creature. If it does, you choose another creature that is a legal target for the original spell. The original spell then continues on the stack with its new target.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is trying to use Meddle on a spell that targets both a creature and a player; according to the official rulings, Meddle only works if the spell has a single target total. Additionally, the new target must be a legal target for the spell being redirected. You cannot, for example, redirect a 'destroy target non-black creature' spell to a black creature.
When to Play It
Meddle is most effective when your opponent attempts to use targeted removal or a powerful aura on their own creature. By changing the target, you can save your own key threats or force your opponent to destroy their own creatures, effectively acting as a two-for-one trade in your favor.
Interaction examples
If your opponent casts a spell like 'Murder' targeting your commander, you can cast Meddle targeting 'Murder'. Upon resolution, you choose another creature on the battlefield—perhaps one of your opponent's creatures—and the 'Murder' spell will now attempt to destroy that creature instead.
CounterspellIf you cast Meddle to save your creature, your opponent might respond with Counterspell targeting Meddle. Because Meddle is not a creature, it is a legal target for Counterspell. If Counterspell resolves, Meddle is removed from the stack, and your creature will still be hit by the original spell.
An Offer You Can't RefuseIf your opponent casts An Offer You Can't Refuse targeting a spell, you cannot use Meddle to change the target of An Offer You Can't Refuse. This is because Meddle requires the target of the spell it is affecting to be a creature, and An Offer You Can't Refuse targets a noncreature spell.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Meddle
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Only works on spells with a single target, where that target is a creature. Will not work on spells that target a single creature and a player, for example.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Meddle
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.