A card does not have targets just because it damages or destroys a creature, allows a player to choose something, or refers to “you” or “your opponent” unless it uses the word “target”! Spells and abilities requiring targets may only be played if valid targets can be chosen.

Can you cast negate without a target?

If a spell has no legal targets it cannot be cast. If you’re playing lightning bolt and your opponent opens with a Leyline of Sanctity, you might as well scoop anyway.

Is choose the same as Target MTG?

Some players are confused by word “choose”, but it is not a symptom of targeted spell. These are the only permanent spells with targets. An Aura’s target is specified by its enchant keyword ability (see rule 702.5, “Enchant”). The target(s) are chosen as the spell is cast; see rule 601.2c.

Can you counter your own spell?

Yes. You can counter your own spell. Most counters don’t require that an opponent’s spells be the target.

When does an event put an object on the battlefield?

These are written, “When [this object] enters the battlefield, . . . ” or “Whenever a [type] enters the battlefield, . . .” Each time an event puts one or more permanents onto the battlefield, all permanents on the battlefield (including the newcomers) are checked for any enters-the-battlefield triggers that match the event.

When does a triggered ability trigger in a game?

603.2 Whenever a game event or game state matches a triggered ability’s trigger event, that ability automatically triggers. The ability doesn’t do anything at this point. 603.2a Because they aren’t cast or activated, triggered abilities can trigger even when it isn’t legal to cast spells and activate abilities.

When do you put triggered abilities on the stack?

603.3b If multiple abilities have triggered since the last time a player received priority, each player, in APNAP order, puts triggered abilities they control on the stack in any order they choose. (See rule 101.4 .)

What are the most common zone change triggers?

The most common zone-change triggers are enters-the-battlefield triggers and leaves-the-battlefield triggers. 603.6a Enters-the-battlefield abilities trigger when a permanent enters the battlefield. These are written, “When [this object] enters the battlefield, . . . ” or “Whenever a [type] enters the battlefield, . . .”