Rules Tip of the Day: Some older cards with change of control effects used the word "permanently" in their text. In those instances the word "permanently" meant that the effect does not have a duration. There are no cards that currently use that word, and most (if not all) now have reminder text that states that the effect does not end at the end of the current turn.

Q: If I use Wreak Havoc on an opponent's land, can they use Meloku, the Clouded Mirror's ability to return that land to their hand in response? Won't that counter the Wreak Havoc, which can't be done?

A: Wreak Havoc can't be countered by spells or abilities. However, it can still be countered by the rules of the game. When a targeted spell or ability begins to resolve and none of its targets are legal, then it is countered by the rules of the game, and not because of a spell or ability.

Q: When do I need to pick targets for Replicate copies?

A: You choose targets for the Replicate copies when the copies go on the stack. These copies will go on the stack when the Replicate triggered ability resolves.

Q: I was reading an article recently which said that Replicating Mimeofacture and targeting Yosei, the Morning Star both times would leave you with a Yosei in play. I thought that the original spell would not resolve due to a lack of a target, since the Replicate copy would copy Yosei, both Dragons would go to the graveyard, and then the next Mimeofacture wouldn't have a target upon resolution. Am I mistaken here?

A: You are correct; what was described in the article cannot happen. The first copy of Mimeofacture to resolve will bring out a Yosei. Before the other copies of Mimeofacture can resolve, state-based effects are checked and both copies of Yosei will go to the graveyard. Then, if any of the other Mimeofacture copies target the Yosei that was in play, they will be countered on resolution due to a lack of targets. It does not matter that Mimeofacture's text instructs you to choose a target permanent an opponent controls; this still happens when the spell goes on the stack.

Q: I play Gifts Ungiven targeting my opponent. I control a Goblin Flectomancer. I sacrifice the Flectomancer in response to the Gifts. Can I choose myself as a target and choose my own Gifts?

A: No. Gifts Ungiven targets an opponent; you cannot change the target of this spell to yourself, as you are not your own opponent. You can sacrifice the Flectromancer and target the Gifts Ungiven on the stack. However when the Flectromancer's ability resolves, nothing will happen, unless this is a multiplayer game.

Q: I have Izzet Guildmage, four mountains, and an island in play. At the end of turn step for my opponent, I play Quicken. After it resolves, I play Lava Spike. Can I then copy it for 2R with the Guildmage?

A: Yes that is legal. You can use Izzet Guildmage's ability to copy a sorcery you control at any time. It does not matter that you cannot normally play sorceries at that time.

Q: Regarding the card Parallectric Feedback, I've been defending the position that the damage dealt will count the amount put into X, with cards like Fireball, but it will not count additional payments such as Chorus of the Conclave's. I've pointed out the stack as the exception to X = 0, and the difference between cost, mana cost, and converted mana cost, but I'm looking for confirmation.

A: You are correct, and the reasons you gave are also accurate. Additional costs are not part of the converted mana cost of a spell. However, the value of X of a spell on the stack is what was chosen when the X spell was played.

Q: I play Vesuvian Doppleganger and select Silhana Starfletcher to copy. As it comes into play, I choose White, and my Doppelganger of a Starfletcher can tap for White mana. Later, an opponent plays an Order of the Stars. If I change my Doppelganger to an Order of the Stars, does it get Protection from White?

A: Yes. Relevant choices like the one in the example given will carry over when a permanent that can change what it copies from one copy to another.

Q: I control Troll Ascetic and Nova Pentacle. If I use the Pentacle's ability, can my opponent choose the Troll Ascetic as the target of this ability?

A: Yes. Your opponent can choose your Troll Ascetic as the target of the Nova Pentacle's ability. You control the Nova Pentacle ability, so it can target your Troll Ascetic. It does not matter that your opponent chooses the target of this ability.