Split second

Split Second
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Time Spiral
Last used	Modern Horizons 3
Reminder Text	Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.)
Storm Scale	8
Statistics	18 cards 11.1% 27.8% 22.2% 22.2% 16.7%
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keyword:"Split Second"

Split second is a keyword ability that was introduced in the Time Spiral block.

Description

Split second is a static ability that functions only while the spell with split second is on the stack. “Split second” means “As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities."

In a way, "Split second" harkens back to interrupts, which also couldn't be responded to with instants or activated abilities, only other interrupts. Split second (originally called "superfast") was originally designed by Devin Low as an Izzet mechanic for Guildpact.

History

Split second was introduced in Time Spiral. Two cards with split second appeared in Planar Chaos and three in Future Sight. It reappeared on one card each in Commander 2019, Modern Horizons 2, the Streets of New Capenna Commander decks, the Lord of the Rings Holiday Release, Fallout and Modern Horizons 3.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Split Second

A keyword ability that makes it nearly impossible for a player to respond to a spell. See rule 702.61, “Split Second.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

• 702.61. Split Second
  • 702.61a Split second is a static ability that functions only while the spell with split second is on the stack. “Split second” means “As long as this spell is on the stack, players can’t cast other spells or activate abilities that aren’t mana abilities.”
  • 702.61b Players may activate mana abilities and take special actions while a spell with split second is on the stack. Triggered abilities trigger and are put on the stack as normal while a spell with split second is on the stack.
  • 702.61c Multiple instances of split second on the same spell are redundant.

Rulings

• Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack.
• Split second doesn't prevent players from activating mana abilities.
• Split second doesn't prevent triggered abilities from triggering. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and, if applicable, chooses targets for it. Those abilities will resolve as normal.
• Split second doesn't prevent players from performing special actions. Most notably, players may turn face-down creatures face-up while a spell with split second is on the stack. For example, if Sudden Death is targeting a creature you control, you may flip up a Willbender to change the target of Sudden Death to another creature.
• Split second does not prevent the spell from being countered by triggered abilities. One such example is Voidmage Apprentice. Decree of Silence can also counter cards with split second.
• Split second won't affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.
• If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that part of the effect won't work if a spell with split second is on the stack.

Examples

Example

Sudden Death
Instant
Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.)
Target creature gets -4/-4 until end of turn.