Three Steps Ahead
Instant
Oracle Text
Spree (Choose one or more additional costs.) +
— Counter target spell.
+ 
— Create a token that's a copy of target artifact or creature you control.
+ 
— Draw two cards, then discard a card.
Rules for this card
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An ability found on some modal spells that allows you to choose one or more modes and requires you to pay additional costs for those modes. See rule 702.172, “Spree.”
Rulings (18)
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Wizards of the CoastIf an effect allows you to cast a spell with spree “without paying its mana cost,” you must still choose at least one mode and pay the associated additional costs.
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Wizards of the CoastYou can’t choose the same mode more than once.
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Wizards of the CoastEach additional cost and associated mode in the text box is also preceded with a + indicator. These symbols also have no rules meaning and serve only to remind players that the listed costs are additional costs.
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Wizards of the CoastThe token copies exactly what was printed on the original permanent and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that permanent is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.
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Wizards of the CoastNo player can cast spells or activate abilities in between the modes of a resolving spell. Any abilities that trigger won’t be put onto the stack until the spell is done resolving.
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Wizards of the CoastIf the copied permanent is a token, the token that’s created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.
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Wizards of the CoastIf a mode requires a target, you can select that mode only if there’s a legal target available. Ignore the targeting requirements for modes you don’t choose.
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Wizards of the CoastIf the first and/or second modes are chosen, then Three Steps Ahead has one or more targets. If so, and all its targets are illegal as it tries to resolve, Three Steps Ahead won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. If at least one target is still legal, the spell will resolve and modes with legal targets (and the third mode, if chosen) will have their effects.
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Wizards of the CoastIf a spell with spree is copied, the effect that creates the copy may allow you to choose new targets. You cannot choose new modes.
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Wizards of the CoastIf the copied permanent is copying something else, then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that permanent copied.
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Wizards of the CoastNo matter which modes you choose, you always follow the instructions in the order they are written.
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Wizards of the CoastYou must choose at least one of the listed modes and pay its associated additional cost in order to cast a spell with spree.
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Wizards of the CoastSpells with spree have a + (plus sign) indicator in the upper right corner of the card frame. This has no rules meaning and serves only to remind players that at least one additional cost is required to cast the spell.
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Wizards of the CoastThe mana value of a spell with spree is determined only by its mana cost (in the upper right corner of the card). It doesn’t matter which modes you choose or which additional costs you pay, including any additional costs imposed by other effects.
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Wizards of the CoastYou choose the modes as you cast the spell with spree. Once modes are chosen, they can’t be changed.
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Wizards of the CoastIf the copied permanent has
in its mana cost, X is 0.
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Wizards of the CoastAny enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied permanent will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any “as [this permanent] enters the battlefield” or “[this permanent] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the copied permanent will also work.
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Wizards of the CoastIf all targets for the chosen modes become illegal before a spell with spree resolves, the spell won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. If at least one target is still legal, the spell will resolve but will have no effect on any illegal targets.