String of Disappearances — ruling 1

The copy of String of Disappearances has the ability to copy itself. The string can go on or not, as long as players are able and willing to keep paying {U}{U}.

String of Disappearances — ruling 2

While resolving String of Disappearances, you can’t pay {U}{U} multiple times to copy it multiple times. It’s a string, not a web.

String of Disappearances — ruling 3

The copies String of Disappearances creates are created on the stack, so they’re not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won’t trigger.

String of Disappearances — ruling 4

If the target creature is an illegal target by the time String of Disappearances tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. That creature’s controller can’t pay to copy String of Disappearances.

String of Disappearances : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

String of Disappearances 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

Return target creature to its owner's hand. Then that creature's controller may pay . If the player does, they may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

Complete guide

String of Disappearances is a unique blue bounce spell that can bounce creatures all around the table. While it only costs one mana initially, it creates a chain reaction where players can keep the cycle going if they have the resources. Understanding how this 'string' is built on the stack is key to mastering its chaotic potential.

How the Chain Works

When you cast String of Disappearances, you target a creature to return it to its owner's hand. As the spell resolves, that creature's controller is given a choice: they may pay two blue mana to copy the spell. If they do, they get a fresh version of the spell on the stack and can choose a new target for it. This new copy also contains the text allowing its target's controller to pay and copy it again, potentially continuing the chain indefinitely.

The Resolution Process

The spell resolves in a specific order: first, the target creature is returned to the hand. Second, the controller of that specific creature decides whether to pay {U}{U}. This payment happens during the resolution of the spell, not as a separate trigger. If the payment is made, the copy is created immediately on the stack. Note that if the original target becomes illegal (for example, if it gains Hexproof in response), the spell fails to resolve entirely, and no one gets the option to pay for a copy.

Common Misconceptions

A common mistake is thinking you can pay {U}{U}{U}{U} to get two copies at once; you cannot. Each resolution only offers a single chance to copy the spell once. Additionally, because the copies are created directly on the stack, they are not 'cast.' This means cards that care about spells being cast will not trigger for any of the subsequent copies in the chain.

Strategic Timing

This card is best used when your opponent is low on blue mana. If they cannot afford the {U}{U} cost, the string ends immediately with them. However, be careful using this against a deck with heavy blue mana reserves, as they might use your own spell to bounce your best creatures right back at you.

Interaction examples

Bouncing and Countering

Counterspell

If you cast String of Disappearances and your opponent responds with Counterspell, the original spell never resolves. Because it never resolves, the target creature stays on the battlefield and its controller never gets the chance to pay {U}{U} to copy the spell.

Treasures for the Chain

An Offer You Can't Refuse

If an opponent targets your creature with String of Disappearances, you might want it to resolve so you can copy it. However, if you choose to use An Offer You Can't Refuse to counter the spell, you will receive two Treasure tokens. Those Treasures could then provide the {U}{U} needed if a different copy of String of Disappearances is later put on the stack by another player.

Ending the String

Player A casts String of Disappearances on Player B's creature. The creature is bounced. Player B pays {U}{U} and copies the spell, targeting Player C's creature. Player C's creature is bounced, but Player C chooses not to pay {U}{U}. The string ends there, and the stack is finally empty.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : String of Disappearances

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 14, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
The copy of String of Disappearances has the ability to copy itself. The string can go on or not, as long as players are able and willing to keep paying .
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2June 14, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
While resolving String of Disappearances, you can’t pay multiple times to copy it multiple times. It’s a string, not a web.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3June 14, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
The copies String of Disappearances creates are created on the stack, so they’re not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won’t trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4June 14, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature is an illegal target by the time String of Disappearances tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. That creature’s controller can’t pay to copy String of Disappearances.
No other card is named in this ruling.