Does copying a creature target it?

Does Copying a Creature Target It?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, copying effects are a common occurrence on the battlefield. But did you know that copying a creature does not always target that creature? In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of copying in Magic: The Gathering, and explore the answer to the question: does copying a creature target it?

What does it mean to target something?

Before we start, let’s define what it means to target something in Magic: The Gathering. Targeting refers to the act of designating a specific object, effect, or player as the recipient of an ability’s effects. This can be done by casting a spell, activating an ability, or using a triggered ability.

How does copying work?

Copying a creature or any other spell or ability involves creating an exact copy of that thing. The copied object takes on the same characteristics and abilities as the original. When you copy a creature, you create a "copy" of that creature, which then enters the battlefield as a separate token.

Does copying target the creature?

When you copy a creature using a copying effect, does it target that creature? The answer is no. The copying effect only creates a copy of the creature, but it doesn’t target the original. The copying effect is still an "affect that creature" spell, as it doesn’t target that creature directly.

So, how does it interact with the original creature?

Now that we understand that copying a creature does not target it, we need to look at how it interacts with the original creature. In most cases, the original creature stays on the battlefield, untainted by the copying process. However, there might be cases where the copy interacts with the original:

• Triggered effects: Some creatures have triggered abilities that trigger when something happens to the creature (e.g., when a creature dies). If a copy of the creature comes into existence, these trigger effects might be triggered because the copy has the same characteristics as the original creature.
• Abilities that care about the exact same thing: Some spells or abilities have effects based on the "same exact thing". For example, if a spell says it "destroy any creature this creature can attack", would it also destroy the copied creature? This would likely depend on the specific effect and its wording.

Table of Examples

Let’s break down some examples in a table:

Implications on gameplay

This understanding has significant implications on gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.

• Defensive creatures: You can copy powerful defensive creatures like Shivan Dragon or Elvish Mystic, making them even more powerful and resilient.
• Countering creatures: Cards like Flash Freeze or Force of Will can now copy creatures your opponent has cast, shutting them down temporarily.
• Creating more threats: By copying a creature onto the battlefield, you gain more attacking threats, keeping your opponent guessing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copying a creature in Magic: The Gathering does not target that creature, as the copying effect merely creates an exact copy rather than designating the creature as a target. Instead, the original creature is left untouched, unless affected by specific abilities or triggers. This knowledge can add depth and complexity to your gameplay strategy, allowing for more nuanced decisions and effective play.

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