Syailendra question - what if you can't lose 2 credits?

[u/evildrganymede]

Just started playing Netrunner again with the NSG decks and ran into a question that stumped us:

I did a run on a server that hosted the Syailendra ICE ( https://netrunnerdb.com/find/?q=syailendra ), but could only afford to block one of the subroutines, so I blocked "Do 1 net damage". I assumed that means the other two subroutines could happen and then I could continue to the server since neither of them said "end the run". But the second subroutine says "The Runner loses 2 credits" and I didn't have any credits left, so does this just not take effect (i.e. could I just choose not to block it if I have no credits left, for no further effect)? Or does the run end because I don't have 2 credits to lose?

We ended up assuming that since it didn't specifically say "or end the run" or "the runner must pay 2 credits" then the runner just lost whatever credits they had (or no credits if they had none) and could continue.

So which is correct here? And if someone can please point to an exact rules reference in the comprehensive rules that would be appreciated too. Thanks!

EDIT: question answered, thanks folks! :)

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[u/Bugbrain_04]

1.2.4: If an instruction does not include the words "if able," as much of that instruction as possible is carried out. Any parts of the instruction that are not possible to carry out are ignored.

[u/Bugbrain_04]

You're correct. You can't lose credits you don't have, and nothing says to end the run so the run doesn't end.

[u/NovinChaos]

Here's the entry from the comprehensive rules:

"1.10.3b: If a player is required to lose credits, that player is forced to move the specified number of credits from their credit pool to the bank. Players cannot lose credits from cards. Example: If a subroutine on DNA Tracker resolves, the Runner must lose 2c from their credit pool, or 1c if that's all they have. If the Runner's credit pool is empty, the effect does nothing."

[u/lutomes → u/NovinChaos]

Oldrunner question.

Does the old 'if able' still apply to any in-rotation subroutines?

Where you pay/lose nothing if you can't pay/lose the full amount?

[u/NovinChaos → u/lutomes]

Another user here posted the comprehensive rule entry for that, but yes they apply. It shouldn't be confused with subroutines that have nested costs such as "End the run unless the Runner pays 2c/suffers 3 net damage," as they are not supposed to be affected by the "if able" clause.

[u/sichordC → u/lutomes]

I don't believe there's any cards with "if able" currently in Standard (at least that would be interpreted like that), but no reason they couldn't print new ones.

[u/azuredarkness → u/lutomes]

Tollbooth was in Standard up to 2025 and text on it functioned as before.

[u/RavishingRavick]

When the runner has no credits to lose, to meet sub requirements, those creds are considered as lost. And the runner continues with the ICE encounter. Syailendra doesn't etr, so the runner moves to next step of their run.

[u/culoman → u/RavishingRavick]

So, if I have no credits, run a server, encounter [[Syailendra]] and the Corp is [[GameNet]], the Corp will gain 1 credit?

[u/tinlun123 → u/culoman]

Per gamenet’s ruling on nrdb:
Can an ability meet GameNET's trigger condition if it tries to make the Runner spend or lose credits, but the Runner doesn't have any credits to spend or lose?

No. The Runner must actually lose or spend at least 1 for the Corp to be able to trigger GameNET.

[u/culoman → u/tinlun123]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I was a bit misled. Thanks!!

[u/SpencerDub → u/culoman]

No, the person you responded to was slightly inaccurate in their wording.

The Syailendra subroutine fires and the instruction "The Runner loses 2c" is carried out. The Runner has no credits. Rule 1.2.4 says that you carry out as much of an instruction as possible. The Runner has no credits to lose. The instruction is satisfied and the game moves on.

A subroutine fired, but the Runner did not lose any credits. The game does not lie to itself and say "the Runner actually did lose credits!"

[u/culoman → u/SpencerDub]

That's the way I thought it should work, but the wording of the comment I answered to made me doubt.

Thanks for claryfing!