Elves survival question

NightAngel

Q: Suppose I have three elf creatures and one of them is a 1/1 elf which have the: tap: target elf gains +x/+x where x equals to the total number of elves in the game. Now, this elf got struck by a lightning bolt and is dealt 3 points of damage. Q: Can the elf use his ability to increase his own toughness (gaining +3/+3) and so survives the lightning bolt. Or is this is too late and the elf is killed?

Thanks in advance.

Ivan

When the lightning bolt is cast, it goes onto the stack.
You then have priority to play a spell (only if it can be played at instant speed, mind), if you pass, then the stack is cleared of all spells, starting with the last one first. (LiFo - Last in, first out).

If you played your ability, when you gain priority, then your ability goes on top of the lightning bolt and triggers first, thus saving your elf.

If you were to trigger the elf's ability first and then your opponent played the lightning bolt, then your elf is screwed

NightAngel

Thanks, mate.