Dumb question about replicate

[Joe_C]

When I cast lets's say shattering spree, if my opponent goes to counter it I can then replicate it correct?

[DeathScythe]

Incorrect.

At the same moment you play your replicate spell you already have to chose how many times you want to replicate and pay in advance. When you've done that the spell and a replicate trigger will go on the stack.

Or easier said:
You play shattering spree and pay R for it. You now have to decide how many times you feel like replicating. Let's say 3 for now. You want to have 3 replicates of shattering spree so this'll cost you an additional RRR.
When you paid both the R and the RRR you're finished with playing the spell and it goes on the stack. The original spree will go on the stack first directly followed by the triggered ability from replicate.

Stack looks as follows:

- Top -
Replicate (trigger)
Shattering spree (original)
- Bottom -

Now your opponent has the ability to play spells/abilities. If he counters your original Shattering Spree you still get 3 copies (which can be countered separately). If your opponent stifles the replicate trigger you will only have your original Shattering Spree.

Hope this makes things bit more clear about how replicate works, the rulings on replicate cards are a bit off.

Fixed numerous spelling, punctuation, and grammar issues. Please make an appropriate amount effort when you post - this goes for everyone.

[cdr]

502.52. Replicate

502.52a. Replicate is a keyword that represents two abilities. The first is a static ability that functions while the spell is on the stack. The second is a triggered ability that functions while the spell is on the stack. "Replicate [cost]" means "As an additional cost to play this spell, you may pay [cost] any number of times" and "When you play this spell, if a replicate cost was paid for it, copy it for each time its replicate cost was paid. If the spell has any targets, you may choose new targets for any number of the copies." Paying a spell's replicate cost follows the rules for paying additional costs in rules 409.1b and 409.1f-h.

502.52b. If a spell has multiple instances of replicate, each is paid separately and triggers based on the payments made for it, not any other instance of replicate.

Replicate is an additional cost; as part of playing the spell you announce how many times you're paying the replicate cost and then pay the appropriate additional cost.

After costs have been paid, the spell becomes played and the Replicate triggers, going on the stack above the original spell. When the Replicate trigger resolves, it will create the appropriate number of copies.