Rule evolution

Rule 608.2k

Previously numbered 608.2i, 608.2j.

Earliest archived Rules release: 2009-10-01 · 1 wording revision · 2 renumberings

  1. Earliest archived Rules release608.2iDetails
    If an ability's effect refers to a specific untargeted object that has been previously referred to by that ability's cost or trigger condition, it still affects that object even if the object has changed characteristics. Example: Wall of Tears says "Whenever Wall of Tears blocks a creature, return that creature to its owner's hand at end of combat." If Wall of Tears blocks a creature, then that creature ceases to be a creature before the triggered ability resolves, the permanent will still be returned to its owner's hand.
  2. Renumbered608.2i → 608.2jDetails

    Previously
    6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
    608. Resolving Spells and Abilities

    Then
    6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
    608. Resolving Spells and Abilities

    If an ability’s effect refers to a specific untargeted object that has been previously referred to by that ability’s cost or trigger condition, it still affects that object even if the object has changed characteristics. Example: Wall of Tears says “Whenever Wall of Tears blocks a creature, return that creature to its owner’s hand at end of combat.” If Wall of Tears blocks a creature, then that creature ceases to be a creature before the triggered ability resolves, the permanent will still be returned to its owner’s hand.
  3. Renumbered608.2j → 608.2kDetails

    Previously
    6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
    608. Resolving Spells and Abilities

    Then
    6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
    608. Resolving Spells and Abilities

    If an ability’s effect refers to a specific untargeted object that has been previously referred to by that ability’s cost or trigger condition, it still affects that object even if the object has changed characteristics. Example: Wall of Tears says “Whenever Wall of Tears blocks a creature, return that creature to its owner’s hand at end of combat.” If Wall of Tears blocks a creature, then that creature ceases to be a creature before the triggered ability resolves, the permanent will still be returned to its owner’s hand.
  4. Wording changed608.2kDetails
    If an ability's effect refers to a specific untargeted object that has been previously referred to by that ability's cost or trigger condition, it still affects that object even if the object has changed characteristics. Example: Wall of Tears says "Whenever Wallthis ofcreature Tears blocks a creature, return that creature to its owner's hand at end of combat." If Wall of Tears blocks a creature, then that creature ceases to be a creature before the triggered ability resolves, the permanent will still be returned to its owner's hand.

Current in the latest available Rules
Unchanged since 2026-08-07.