Rolling Thunder targetting question

[Ephraim]

If I cast Rolling Thunder, can I declare a creature as a target and then choose to deal zero damage to it? If I do so, is the creature still considered to have been a target of the spell?

[Matt]

Been playing with Skulking Ghost recently?

I think this works, but I am not sure:

Rolling Thunder

      Color= Red    Type= Sorcery    Cost= XRR    TE(C)/BR(F1)
      Text (TE+errata): ~this~ deals X damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or players. [Oracle 1999/05/01]
    * X can be zero. [D'Angelo 2003/05/19]
    * If X is greater than zero, you cannot choose zero targets. You must choose between 1 and X targets. If X is zero, you cannot choose any targets. [DeLaney 2003/05/19]

[Jebus]

No, it doesn't work.

If you are dividing something, you cannot have more targets than what is being divided too.  

That sentance may not be clear, so I'll just post the rule now...

409.1e If the spell or ability affects several targets in different ways, the player announces how it will affect each target. If the spell or ability requires the player to divide or distribute an effect (such as damage or counters) among one or more targets, or any number of untargeted objects or players, the player announces the division. Each of these targets, objects, or players must receive at least one of whatever is being divided.

[mouth]

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/rh122
Check out the poll at the bottom... keke.

[Jebus]

You know, I actually made a mistake here.

I thought he was talking about a different card and trying to deal some damage to one thing and 0 to another.

The answer should be, yes you can play it for RR and deal 0 to the target.

I apologize for the confusion, I had the wrong card in my brain and the wrong scenario.

[Ephraim]

The part you've highlighted in the paragraph from the comprehensive rules still seems to apply. If each target must receive one of whatever is being divided, then if something has been chosen as a target, then it must receive at least one damage. Furthermore, the ruling that Matt cited specifically states that, while X may be zero, if it is, then the spell has no targets.

[Jebus]

The part you've highlighted in the paragraph from the comprehensive rules still seems to apply. If each target must receive one of whatever is being divided, then if something has been chosen as a target, then it must receive at least one damage. Furthermore, the ruling that Matt cited specifically states that, while X may be zero, if it is, then the spell has no targets.

Ok, then I was right then.

Ok.  I'm not very coherent at 3:00 AM.

[JSexton]

Just for clarity: If it were Blaze, you could target the Ghost with 0. Rolling Thunder divides, so you cannot.