In what order are continuous effects that affect a player applied?

Continuous effects that affect a player are applied in timestamp order after determining objects' characteristics. This means that when multiple continuous effects are in play, the game checks the timestamps of those effects to determine the order in which they are applied. The most recently applied effect has the most impact, as it can overwrite or modify the results of the earlier effects.

Understanding timestamp order is crucial because it guarantees that the effects resolve in a predictable manner, establishing a clear hierarchy for overlapping effects. This is particularly important in complex game scenarios where multiple effects may influence the same aspect of a player's game state, such as life totals, power and toughness of creatures, or other ongoing effects. Without this structured approach, interactions could become confusing and lead to disputes about which effect takes precedence. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the formal procedure outlined in the comprehensive rules for resolving these interactions.