Rule evolution
Rule 508.5
Previously numbered 508.4.
Earliest archived Rules release: 2010-06-18 · 2 wording revisions · 2 renumberings
Added508.5Details
If an ability of an attacking creature refers to a defending player, or a spell or ability refers to both an attacking creature and a defending player, then unless otherwise specified, the defending player it's referring to is the player that creature was attacking at the time it became an attacking creature that combat, or the controller of the planeswalker that creature was attacking at the time it became an attacking creature that combat.
Renumbered
508.5→ 508.4DetailsPreviously
5. Turn Structure
508. Declare Attackers StepThen
5. Turn Structure
508. Declare Attackers StepIf an ability of an attacking creature refers to a defending player, or a spell or ability refers to both an attacking creature and a defending player, then unless otherwise specified, the defending player it’s referring to is the player that creature was attacking at the time it became an attacking creature that combat, or the controller of the planeswalker that creature was attacking at the time it became an attacking creature that combat.
Wording changed & Renumbered
508.4→ 508.5DetailsPreviously
5. Turn Structure
508. Declare Attackers StepThen
5. Turn Structure
508. Declare Attackers StepIf an ability of an attacking creature refers to a defending player, or a spell or ability refers to both an attacking creature and a defending player, then unless otherwise specified, the defending player it's referring to is the player that creature
wasis attackingat the time it became an attacking creature that combat, or the controller of the planeswalker that creaturewasis attackingat the time it became an attacking creature that combat. If that creature is no longer attacking, the defending player it's referring to is the player that creature was attacking before it was removed from combat or the controller of the planeswalker that creature was attacking before it was removed from combat.Wording changed508.5Details
If an ability of an attacking creature refers to a defending player, or a spell or ability refers to both an attacking creature and a defending player, then unless otherwise specified, the defending player it's referring to is the player that creature is attacking,
orthe controller of the planeswalker that creature is attacking, or the protector of the battle that creature is attacking. If that creature is no longer attacking, the defending player it's referring to is the player that creature was attacking before it was removed from combat,orthe controller of the planeswalker that creature was attacking before it was removed from combat, or the protector of the battle that creature was attacking before it was removed from combat.