So you may have read the Oracle rulings on Infinite Reflection and wondered, “Why does this always win over other copy effects? Can’t I choose the order to apply these effects?”

Well, the answer is that you CAN choose the order, but you always get the same end result.  Let’s say you control Infinite Reflection attached to a Runeclaw Bear, and you cast a Phyrexian Metamorph. When it resolves, you have two copy effects to apply: one for the Reflection, and one for the Metamorph itself.

If you apply the Metamorph’s ability first, then it will try to copy anything of your choice, but then Infinite Reflection still sees a creature entering under your control and says, “Hold on, I’m still gonna do something to that event!” So the Metamorph ends up as a copy of the Bear.

On the other hand, if you apply Infinite Reflections first, the Metamorph enters as a copy of the Bear. Now, the Metamorph’s ability no longer exists, because it’s already a copy of the Bear, and therefore can’t apply to this event anymore. So as you can see, either way, Infinite Reflection comes out on top.

Today’s Rules Tip written by
Josh Stansfield, Level 2 judge from Orange, CA