3Sphere and Glowrider

[SpikeyMikey]

As I understand it, all other reducing/increasing effects are applied, then 3Sphere checks to see if the spell would cost < 3. So if I had Glowrider and Trini down, and someone played Daze, it would only cost 3, because Glowrider would have to be applied first, correct?

[CleverPetriDish]

I would have gotten this correct becase I just always apply Trinisphere after everything else every time. This comes from habit and experience rather than some deep knowledge. Is it ever untrue?

[cdr]

You would be correct; Trinisphere has a unique ability which applies after the total cost of a spell is determined per 409.1f.

Mana cost or alternative cost, plus cost increases, minus cost reductions, then finally Trinisphere.


409.1f. The player determines the total cost of the spell or ability. Usually this is just the mana cost (for spells) or activation cost (for abilities). Some cards list additional or alternative costs in their text. Some effects may increase or reduce the cost to pay, or may provide other alternative costs. Costs may include paying mana, tapping permanents, sacrificing permanents, discarding cards, and so on. The total cost is the mana cost, activation cost, or alternative cost (as determined in rule 409.1b), plus all additional costs and cost increases, and minus all cost reductions. If the mana component of the total cost is reduced to nothing by cost reduction effects, it is considered to be {0}. It can't be reduced to less than {0}. Once the total cost is determined, it becomes "locked in." If effects would change the total cost after this time, they have no effect.

[f|i[p]]

I might as well make sure of what I know, so if a spell like thirst for knowledge would be cast with a glow rider and trinisphere, it would cost 4 to cast right...at least thats what I think...since trini is just there to make sure that anything that costs less than 3, costs 3...

[cdr]

Just apply the steps above.

Cost? 2U.

Increases? +1.

Decreases? None.

Does it now cost less than 3 mana to play? No.

= 3U.