theemptyquiver says... Accepted answer #2
During the beginning phase after untapping, is the upkeep which allows the player to take priority to cast instants or use abilities. When the player passes priority this give you the chance to use instants or abilities of your own. So before the draw step, you would be able to silence them.
You are correct in your reasoning.
January 15, 2011 7:48 p.m.
theemptyquiver says... #3
In answer to the previous post, the question wasn't able preventing drawing.
The question was simply asking if silence could be cast before the opponent drew a card, which is possible.
Which does mean for your answer that if you had an instant which prevented the opponent from drawing you could certainly cast it before the draw step during the upkeep once you have priority.
January 15, 2011 7:50 p.m.
Thank you. And yes, I was just asking if it could be played. I knew it didn't affect drawing.
January 15, 2011 7:59 p.m.
Yes and when using Silence offensively it is best to use it on the opponents upkeep before they have one more card they can play potentially in response. the opponent(s) will have priority first after the beginning of the upkeep triggers happen and will be able to cast any instants then or in response to silence but once silence has resolved no opponents will be able to cast a spell until the start of the next turn. silence also can't be blocked by Leyline of Sanctity because it does not target a player.
memaw381 says... #1
In short, no.
The card Silence prevents opponents from casting spells. Drawing isn't a spell, it is part of the draw step, and thus, can't be prevented. Well, at least, there aren't any cards that I know of that can prevent it.
January 15, 2011 7:46 p.m.