Chain Lightning

Sorcery, R (1)

Chain Lightning deals 3 damage to target creature or player. Then that player or that creature's controller may pay {R}{R}. If the player does, he or she may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

Illus. Sandra Everingham

Gatherer Card Rulings?, Legality?

• 10/4/2004: The copy is a spell, so it can be targeted by other spells and abilities that target a spell.
• 10/4/2004: The player putting the copy spell on the stack controls that spell.
• 10/4/2004: The spell copy has all the text and can result in itself being copied.
• 10/1/2009: As Chain Lightning resolves, the targeted player, or the controller of the targeted creature, may copy it. The copy has the same text, target, and color of the resolving spell, though the player who's copying it may choose a new target for it. Once that copy is created (or not), the resolving Chain Lightning has finished resolving and leaves the stack.
• 10/1/2009: If the targeted creature or player is an illegal target by the time Chain Lightning resolves, the spell is countered. It won't be copied.

• Legal in Vintage (Type 1)
• Legal in Legacy (Type 1.5)
• Legal in Classic (MTGO)
• Legal in Commander