Card library

Chain Lightning

Magic: The GatheringLegends#137

Click the card to switch sides

—Views —Likes —Times played

Magic: The Gathering

Mana cost

LegendsLEG · #137
Card type
Sorcery
Rarity
Common
Indicative price
9.33 € · 10.84 $
Mana value
1
Colour

Card text

Chain Lightning deals 3 damage to any target. Then that player or that permanent's controller may pay . If the player does, they may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

Format legality

  • BrawlLegal
  • CommanderLegal
  • CompetitivebrawlLegal
  • DuelLegal
  • GladiatorLegal
  • HistoricLegal
  • LegacyLegal
  • OathbreakerLegal
  • OldschoolLegal
  • PauperLegal
  • PaupercommanderLegal
  • PredhLegal
  • TimelessLegal
  • VintageLegal

Legalities follow the imported catalogue; check format rules before a tournament.
Data imported on 2026-10-06 (UTC).

Indicative Scryfall prices, updated daily. ★: foil; ★ E: etched foil. EUR and USD represent different markets.

Printing information

Illustrator
Sandra Everingham
Card language
English
Release date
1994-06-01

Rulings

As Chain Lightning resolves, either the original or one of the copies, the targeted player or the controller of the targeted permanent may copy it. The copy has the same text, target, and color as the resolving spell, though the player creating the copy may choose a new target for it. Once that copy is created (or not), the Chain Lightning finishes resolving and leaves the stack.

If the targeted player or permanent is an illegal target as Chain Lightning tries to resolve, the spell doesn't resolve and none of its effects happen. It can't be copied.

The copy of Chain Lightning is created on the stack, so it's not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won't trigger. Players may respond to that spell before it resolves.

The player putting the copy of the spell on the stack controls that copy.

Other printings of this card

Report a problem

This report is sent to the administrator. Your explanation remains private.