Sudden Substitution

Format legality

Where you can play Sudden Substitution in sanctioned and popular formats.

All printings

Prices range from $7.20 to $7.20 across finishes. Cheapest printing: Commander 2019 at $7.20.

More from Commander 2019

See all 302 cards in Commander 2019 →

Rulings

Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (13).

• 2021-03-19Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack; their options are just limited to mana abilities and certain special actions.
• 2021-03-19Players may turn face-down creatures face up while a spell with split second is on the stack.
• 2021-03-19Split second doesn't stop triggered abilities from triggering, such as that of Chalice of the Void. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and chooses targets for it, if any. Those abilities will resolve as normal.
• 2021-03-19Casting a spell with split second won't affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.
• 2021-03-19If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that spell can't be cast if a spell with split second is on the stack.
• 2021-03-19After a spell with split second resolves (or otherwise leaves the stack), players may again cast spells and activate abilities before the next object on the stack resolves.
• 2019-08-23A mana ability is an ability that produces mana, not an ability that costs mana.
• 2019-08-23In a multiplayer game, if the controller of one of the objects leaves the game after Sudden Substitution resolves, the effect that gave them control of the spell or permanent expires. If the spell is still on the stack, the player who gains control of it this way can't choose new targets for it.
• 2019-08-23If the target spell or the target creature is an illegal target as Sudden Substitution resolves, the exchange won't happen. If both targets are legal but are both controlled by the same player, the exchange won't happen.
• 2019-08-23If the exchange doesn't happen but the spell is still a legal target, its controller may choose new targets for it.
• 2019-08-23The noncreature spell is still on the stack after exchanging control, and the creature is still on the battlefield.
• 2019-08-23If a permanent spell is exchanged this way, its new controller will control the permanent it becomes.
• 2019-08-23The exchange lasts indefinitely. It doesn't expire for the spell if the creature changes zones or leaves the game, or vice versa.

Frequently asked questions