Rule evolution
Rule 608.2i
Previously numbered 609.8.
Earliest archived Rules release: 2021-09-24 · 1 wording revision · 1 renumbering
Added609.8Details
Some effects look back in time and consider previous game states and actions rather than considering the current game state. If such an effect refers to an object or group of objects, those objects don’t need to be currently in the zone they were in at the time of the action, nor do they need to currently meet the criteria described in the action, as long as they did so at the specified time. Example: A player attacks with Bear Cub. Later in the turn, an effect causes Bear Cub to become a noncreature permanent. The same player then casts Search Party Captain, a spell that says in part “This spell costs {1} less to cast for each creature you attacked with this turn.” That spell costs {1} less because the player attacked with a creature, even though the Bear Cub they attacked with is no longer a creature.
Wording changed & Renumbered
609.8→ 608.2iDetailsPreviously
6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
609. EffectsThen
6. Spells, Abilities, and Effects
608. Resolving Spells and AbilitiesSome effects look back in time and
considerrequire information about previous game states and actions rather than considering the current game state. If such an effectrefersrequirestoinformation from the game about an object or group of objects, and that effect is not taking any actions on those objects, they don't need to be currently in the zone they were in at the time ofthethat previous game state or action, nor do they need to currently meet the criteria described in the action, as long as they did so at the specified time. This is an exception to 608.2h. Example: A player attacks with Bear Cub. Later in the turn, an effect causes Bear Cub to become a noncreature permanent. The same player then casts Search Party Captain, a spell that says in part "This spell costs {1} less to cast for each creature you attacked with this turn." That spell costs {1} less because the player attacked with a creature, even though the Bear Cub they attacked with is no longer a creature.