Can You Stifle a Mana Rock?
Mana rocks are a powerful tool in Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to generate a steady stream of mana. However, an opponent looking to disrupt that flow of mana may want to consider using a mana-stopping spell like Stifle. The question remains: can Stifle actually halt the mana generation of a mana rock?
Initial Answer
No, a mana rock cannot be Stifled. According to the Comprehensive Rules, Stifle targets and resolves "before any mana ability starts to produce mana." Additionally, it states that when a spell or ability allows a player to generate mana as a function of resolving a spell, ability, or triggered ability, "that mana does not cause the ability that generated it to resolve," (see rule 511.1).
Here’s What Happens to a Stifled Mana Ability
Assuming Stifle is successfully played, if a player attempts to Stifle a triggered ability or a spell which generates mana, the situation would look like this:
• The Stifle player casts Stifle, targeting the player’s Mana Rock.
• The Mana Rock’s ability does not generate mana.
• The game state remains where it would have been prior to the Mana Rock’s ability resolving.