D&D 5E Do you allow a spell to be identified before counterspelling?

[Oofta]

No arcana check? Just automatic?

The entire text

Identifying a Spell​

Sometimes a character wants to identify a spell that someone else is casting or that was already cast. To do so, a character can use their reaction to identify a spell as it’s being cast, or they can use an action on their turn to identify a spell by its effect after it is cast.​

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If the character perceived the casting, the spell’s effect, or both, the character can make an Intelligence (Arcana) check with the reaction or action. The DC equals 15 + the spell’s level. If the spell is cast as a class spell and the character is a member of that class, the check is made with advantage. For example, if the spellcaster casts a spell as a cleric, another cleric has advantage on the check to identify the spell. Some spells aren’t associated with any class when they’re cast, such as when a monster uses its Innate Spellcasting trait.​

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This Intelligence (Arcana) check represents the fact that identifying a spell requires a quick mind and familiarity with the theory and practice of casting. This is true even for a character whose spellcasting ability is Wisdom or Charisma. Being able to cast spells doesn’t by itself make you adept at deducing exactly what others are doing when they cast their spells.​

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I was just pointing out that identifying a spell is already a reaction and you can't have 2.

 

[Blue]

All they know is a spell is being cast. However, I do houserule that if they attempt to identify it (via the process in XGtE) that they can use the same reaction to cast Counterspell based on their results (including failing the roll).

 

[Umbran]

I know the RAW method. I have house ruled it slightly. If it is on their spell list and of a level they could theoretically cast, the character can attempt an Arcana check without advantage, but not using their reaction. If they fail this check, I give them a false answer, rather than tell them they aren't sure. If they are making that much of a snap judgement, they take their chances.

 

[Stormonu]

I use something a bit different.

If your trained in Arcana (Wizard, Bard, Ranger, Sorcerer or Warlock spell) or trained in Religion (Cleric, Druid or Paladin spell), you can attempt to identify it as a free action. DC is 12 + the spell level.

If you aren’t trained, but have seen the spell cast before, I generally allow a check as well. Same if you’re a spellcaster but not proficient- though in this case, at disadvantage (example, a Wizard not proficient in Religion, trying to identify a Cleric spell).

 

[Mort]

I know the RAW method. I have house ruled it slightly. If it is on their spell list and of a level they could theoretically cast, the character can attempt an Arcana check without advantage, but not using their reaction. If they fail this check, I give them a false answer, rather than tell them they aren't sure. If they are making that much of a snap judgement, they take their chances.

Ok that's actually pretty fun.

Are you sure that's just a magic missile? Could be disintegrate -what are you going to do!

 

[overgeeked]

I know the RAW method. I have house ruled it slightly. If it is on their spell list and of a level they could theoretically cast, the character can attempt an Arcana check without advantage, but not using their reaction. If they fail this check, I give them a false answer, rather than tell them they aren't sure. If they are making that much of a snap judgement, they take their chances.

Oh, yeah. Yoink.

 

[Stalker0]

I tried 3 different houserules for counterspell in 3 different games, and finally just banned it outright. I hated the spell, and since the ban I have never once looked back.

 

[Mort]

I tried 3 different houserules for counterspell in 3 different games, and finally just banned it outright. I hated the spell, and since the ban I have never once looked back.

Was it a matter of bogging play down? Counterspell being way too common?

 

[Li Shenron]

I haven't had anyone with Counterspell in my games, but if it comes up I plan to do the same that I do with every ability check: I decide if the players needs a check or not to succeed at something ("rule zero") on a case-by-case basis, or if it is an automatic success or failure.

For my own guidelines, I would certainly grant an automatic success when the counterspeller knows / can cast the spell themselves, and probably also when they have seen the spell cast by someone else before (this is where I would be flexible, I wouldn't necessary require them to have seen the spell cast during this campaign, especially if the spell is common stuff).

On the other hand, absolutely no "tag-team" shenanigans.

 

[Mort]

For my own guidelines, I would certainly grant an automatic success when the counterspeller knows / can cast the spell themselves, and probably also when they have seen the spell cast by someone else before (this is where I would be flexible, I wouldn't necessary require them to have seen the spell cast during this campaign, especially if the spell is common stuff).

Just a clarification - are you saying you wouldn't require a check if the player has seen the spell cast in one of your campaigns before? Or are you saying some characters port over to other campaigns?