Modal

Modal describes a spell or ability. A modal spell or ability begins with "Choose one —" followed by multiple possible effect choices, or modes. When a modal spell or ability is announced its controller first chooses one of the modes to take effect before choosing its target or targets if it requires any. The earliest modal spell is Healing Salve, although initially it didn't have the "Choose one -" wording. It was reworded when reprinted in Urza's Saga.

There are several variations of modal spells and abilities: "An opponent chooses one —" appears on three spells, Fatal Lore, Library of Lat-Nam and Misfortune, all from Alliances. Another is called a modal replacement effect and reads "If [event], instead choose one —". This wording was used for Time Vault's Oracle text at one point, but is no longer on any cards. "Choose two -" appears on a cycle of cards (Command cycle from Lorwyn); and is given a choice of four effects, and as expected allows the user to use two of them. "Choose one or both -" has appeared a few times in the Alara block and Zendikar; two effects are given, and the caster is allowed to choose either for resolution. This is to allow flexibility if the caster prefers to use only one effect (or is forced to, for lack of a valid target for one half), while allowing the capability to perform both if required. This was an updated wording of the effects of Hull Breach, which was forced to list out all three options.

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See also: entwine.