Does flicker stop targeting?

[AizaKhan]

Does flicker stop targeting?

[horizontour]

Yes, typically, when a permanent is flickered, it stops being a target of any spells or abilities that were targeting it prior to being flickered. This is because when a permanent leaves the battlefield, it becomes a new object upon returning.

Here's how it works:

Before flickering: Let's say there's a spell on the stack targeting a creature, such as [[Lightning Bolt]]. The Lightning Bolt is targeting Creature A.

Flickering occurs: A flicker effect is placed on the stack, targeting Creature A.

Resolution: The flicker effect resolves, temporarily removing Creature A from the battlefield.

Leaving and returning: Creature A leaves the battlefield and then immediately returns as a new object.

After flickering: At this point, Creature A is considered a new object on the battlefield. Any spells or abilities that were targeting it before it was flickered (like the Lightning Bolt in this example) will have lost their original target, as that target is no longer on the battlefield. Therefore, the Lightning Bolt will not have a legal target and will be countered upon resolution if there are no other legal targets available.

So, in short, flickering a permanent usually causes any spells or abilities targeting it to lose their target.