The Duel Monsters Thread - Childrens Card Games are Serious Business!

[Khaiden]

They've changed a few of those descriptions over time. How recent is the version of the card you have?

I was going by the Yu-Gi-Oh! Wikia's description, which is the recent reprinted one Andy posted.

The first version say

You can only activate this card while there is a face-up Spellcaster-Type monster(s) on your side of the field. Tribute 1 monster on your side of the field and Special Summon 1 Spellcaster-Type monster from your hand. Then you can destroy 1 monster on the field.

The recently reprinted version in Legendary Collection 3, Yugi's World say this:

If you control a face-up Spellcaster-Type monster: Target 1 monster you control; Tribute that target, then Special Summon 1 Spellcaster-Type monster from your hand, then you can destroy 1 monster on the field.

The only target is listed in the first half which is your own monster. But as I said, Yugioh have really stupid rulings regarding certain things.

The target is your monster. The destruction of one monster is an aftereffect that is not considered to be a target since it does not use the words "select" or "target" and it occurs after the resolution.

The most difficult part about that ruling is the decision of when the effect is resolved.

And I insist, during the second effect, the player has to select which monster gets destroyed.

 

[shingamyeonblack]

It is a resolution effect that does not say "select" or "target".

You can't activate a card in response to the resolution, because it is not the activation, and it does not specify targets within the description.

It makes sense.

 

[Khaiden]

It is a resolution effect that does not say "select" or "target".

You can't activate a card in response to the resolution, because it is not the activation, and it does not specify targets within the description.

It makes sense.

I see.

So, in short, it has to be targeted by the card and not by the player.

 

[shingamyeonblack]

Cards enable targets to be chosen, so in a way, yes.