Sign in Blood and Standstill?

[Carnac]

Scenario 1: My opponent has Standstill in play and 2 lifes left. I cast lightning bolt, my opponent draws 3 cards due to Standstill, draws a counterspell and counters my lightning bolt.


Scenario 2: I have 1 life left and my opponent has 3 lifes left. My opponent cast "Sign in blood" and forces me to draw 2 cards and take 2 damage. I draw a lightning bolt. But I die before I can bolt him.


How come I die in scenario 2 before I can bolt, when my opponent can use counterspell to counter my bolt in scenario 1?

[A.-1.]

Scenario 1:  The Standstill triggers when the spell is announced.  The trigger resolves, your opponent draws three cards and the announced spell is still on the stack.  Your opponent still has priority, and a chance to respond with a counter.

Scenario 2:  Sign in Blood resolves putting you to less than one life.  This isn't 5th edition rules, so you die immediately.  You don't draw the two cards, have a chance to respond, then take two damage.  You cannot do anything mid resolution of a spell.