Counterspell Range

[dcollins]

The rules for counterspells say this, if you pull off all the requirements:

If the target is within range, both spells automatically negate each other with no other results.

Now, most often the counterspell is the same as the attack spell. But there is the option to use dispel magic, or anything in the same school with the Improved Counterspell feat. In which case the attack spell & the counterspell are different spells.

So my question: What spell dictates the "range" mentioned above? The attack spell or the counterspell?

 

[Legildur]

To my mind you need to be able to interrupt the caster you are trying to counterspell; that is you need to be able to affect the target caster with your spell.

I say this because it requires the Ready action, so you are interrupting their casting rather than waiting until they have completed casting and then nullifying the effects.

So, pretty tough to Counterspell a fireball from a long range if you are using Dispel Magic, or if you are using Fireball yourself and your casting level is significantly lower and, hence, your range is shorter.

 

[Infiniti2000]

The counter spell range is used; no question in my mind. If I have prepared a reach poison spell and ready to counterspell you from 20ft away and you try to poison a hostage, I can do it automatically with my reach poison.