counterspell and deflection

[TekTik]

Now I know this is really stupid and basic but if my opponent plays a counter on a creature I have can i play misdirection to change the counterspell so that it targets itself, and if so, what happens? Feel free to bring all forms of ridicule to this thread but also bring an answer.

[Jaynel]

You have Counterspell target the Misdirection. That way it's no longer countering your spell, so it's free to resolve.

[tivadar]

Yeah yeah, heh, don't worry, I'm pretty sure everyone has this question at some point. The official information is this:

A spell can never target itself, so no, the counterspell cannot target itself.

The NEW target for the spell is chosen upon resolution, which means Misdiretion can be the new target, this will get the desired effect. The Misdirection will resolve, and the counterspell will fizzle. If the spell had other affects associated with it (counter target spell, you draw a card), the effects will also not happen.

[TekTik]

alright thanks, I was pretty sure spells couldn't target themselves...