Teferi's ResponseHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Teferi's Response is a specialized counterspell that specifically targets spells or abilities an opponent controls that target a land you control. It doesn't just stop the effect; if you counter an ability coming from a permanent, that permanent is destroyed. To top it all off, you draw two cards regardless of whether a permanent was destroyed, as long as the counter effect successfully resolves.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you identify a spell or ability on the stack that targets one of your lands. Upon casting Teferi's Response, the game checks for legality. As it resolves, the target spell or ability is removed from the stack. If that countered ability came from a permanent on the battlefield, that permanent is immediately destroyed. Finally, you draw two cards. If the target of Teferi's Response becomes illegal before resolution (for example, if the land it was protecting leaves the battlefield), the entire spell fails and you will not draw cards.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to use this against spells that don't actually 'target.' For instance, a spell that says 'Destroy all lands' cannot be countered by Teferi's Response because it lacks the word 'target.' Additionally, remember that while you draw two cards, you only get to destroy a permanent if you countered an 'ability.' If you counter a 'spell' (like a sorcery that targets a land), the spell is countered, but there is no permanent on the battlefield to destroy.

When to Play It

This card is best kept in hand for moments when your opponent attempts to gain an advantage by removing your lands. It is particularly effective against activated abilities of creatures or artifacts that target lands, as it results in a three-for-one trade: you stop their effect, destroy their permanent, and draw two cards.

Interaction examples

Basic Land Protection

Your opponent casts a spell that says 'Destroy target land' aiming at your Island. You cast Teferi's Response. The opponent's spell is countered and removed from the stack. You then draw two cards. Since the countered effect was a spell and not an ability of a permanent already on the battlefield, nothing is destroyed.

Stacking Counters

Counterspell

If your opponent tries to use Counterspell to stop your Teferi's Response, your land will be destroyed unless you have another way to protect it. Teferi's Response cannot target Counterspell because Counterspell targets a spell, not a land.

Interaction with Non-Creature Counters

An Offer You Can't Refuse

If you cast Teferi's Response to protect your land, an opponent might respond with An Offer You Can't Refuse to counter your response. If they succeed, your land is likely lost, but you would at least receive two Treasure tokens from their counterspell.