What Happens When You Copy a Creature with Counters?
When copying a creature with counters, several important interactions come into play. It’s crucial to understand the implications of copying a creature with counters to make the most of your strategy in Magic: The Gathering.
Do Counters Count?
A fundamental question arises: do counters on the original creature get copied as well? The answer is no, counters on the original creature are not copied. Only the characteristics of the creature, such as its name, mana cost, abilities, and power/toughness, are copied.
Do Copies Have Counters?
So, do copied creatures get counters? Yes, but only under specific circumstances. If the original creature gains counters while it’s still on the battlefield, those counters are copied onto the new copy. This applies to permanent counters like +1/+1, -1/-1, and lifelink. However, temporary counters like Expedite or Flying are not copied.
What about Trigger Abilities?
When a copied creature gains a counter, do its trigger abilities trigger? Yes, the copied creature’s trigger abilities do trigger, even if it’s not the original creature. This is because the copied creature has its own set of characteristics, including its own abilities.
Do Copied Creatures Suffer from Summoning Sickness?
Another question that often arises is: do copied creatures suffer from summoning sickness? Yes, copied creatures do suffer from summoning sickness. They are still considered new permanents, and therefore, they cannot attack or block on their first turn.
When Can Copied Creatures Be Tapped?
Copied creatures can be tapped at any time, just like the original creature. Tapping a copied creature allows you to generate mana or activate abilities that require mana.
When Can Copied Creatures Be Sacrificed?
Copied creatures can be sacrificed in the same situations as the original creature. Sacrificing a copied creature may trigger abilities, generate mana, or perform other tasks.
Are Copied Creatures Subject to Destruction?
When it comes to destruction effects, yes, copied creatures are subject to destruction. However, some effects may not affect the copied creature, such as "destroy a non-legendary creature" effects. Always read the specific language of the effect to determine its impact on the copied creature.
Can Copied Creatures Have Abilities Like Deathtouch or Lifelink?
Copied creatures can gain abilities like deathtouch or lifelink from other sources, such as Auras or equipment. These abilities can trigger as usual, affecting the copy’s opponents or players.
Do Copies of Spells Cascade?
A question that often confuses players: do copies of spells cascade? No, copies of spells do not cascade. Spells can only cascade when you cast the spell itself, not when you copy a spell.
In conclusion, when copying a creature with counters, remember that only the creature’s characteristics are copied, and not the counters themselves. Counters on the original creature are not copied, but new counters can be gained on the copied creature. Understanding these interactions can help you make the most of your creature copies in Magic: The Gathering.