Permission Denied 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 noncreature spell. Your opponents can't cast noncreature spells this turn.
Complete guide
Permission Denied is a powerful defensive tool that combines a traditional counterspell with a locking mechanism for your opponents. By casting this, you not only stop an immediate threat but also ensure no further noncreature spells can bother you for the rest of the turn.
What it Does
Permission Denied targets a noncreature spell on the stack. If it resolves, it counters that spell and creates a continuous effect that lasts until the end of the current turn, preventing all opponents from casting any additional noncreature spells.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you choose a target noncreature spell and pay the mana cost. Upon resolution, Permission Denied checks if the target is still legal. If the target has been moved from the stack or gained hexproof, Permission Denied fails to resolve and no lockdown happens. If the target is legal, it is countered (unless it specifies it cannot be countered). Regardless of whether the spell is actually moved to the graveyard or stays on the stack due to 'can't be countered' effects, the second part of the spell kicks in: all opponents are immediately restricted from casting noncreature spells for the remainder of the turn.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is assuming the lockdown applies if the target spell is removed from the stack before Permission Denied resolves. If the target is gone, Permission Denied is removed from the stack without resolving, meaning the 'opponents can't cast' effect never starts. Also, remember this only stops noncreature spells; your opponents can still cast creature spells freely.
When to Play It
This card is best used during your own turn to protect a combo or during an opponent's turn to prevent a chain of spells. Since it affects all opponents, it is especially effective in multiplayer formats like Commander to shut down multiple players at once.
Interaction examples
Swords to PlowsharesYou cast a creature, and an opponent responds by casting Swords to Plowshares to exile it. You cast Permission Denied targeting Swords to Plowshares. Permission Denied resolves, countering the exile effect. For the rest of the turn, that opponent (and all other opponents) cannot cast any more noncreature spells, preventing them from trying to use another removal spell on your creature.
Path to ExileAn opponent casts Path to Exile on your commander. You respond with Permission Denied. Once Permission Denied resolves, Path to Exile is countered. If that opponent had another copy of Path to Exile or a different instant in hand, they are now prohibited from casting it for the rest of the turn, effectively ending their ability to interact with your board via noncreature spells.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Permission Denied
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell is an illegal target as Permission Denied tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. Your opponents will still be able to cast noncreature spells this turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Permission Denied's effect applies to all opponents, not just the player who controlled the spell targeted by Permission Denied.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If Permission Denied resolves but the spell isn't countered (perhaps because it can't be countered), opponents will still be unable to cast noncreature spells this turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Permission Denied
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.