What is the CMC of Token Copies?
Token copies, being a copy of a copy, can be a source of confusion when it comes to their mana cost. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: what is the CMC of token copies?
Token Copies and Mana Cost
Before we dive into the answer, let’s quickly clarify the concept of token copies and mana cost. Token copies are created when a creature or spell is copied and placed onto the battlefield or into a player’s graveyard. The mana cost, on the other hand, is the amount of mana required to cast or use a spell or ability. In Magic: The Gathering, the mana cost of a card is the price that must be paid to play it.
MC of Token Copies: When to Apply
The key to understanding the CMC of token copies lies in the mana cost’s copiability. Copiability refers to whether the mana cost of a spell or ability can be copied or not. If the mana cost is not copyable, then it’s not applied to the copy. If it is copyable, then the CMC of the token copy is the same as the original.
Rules Summary
Here’s a brief summary of the rules surrounding token copies and CMC:
- Mana Cost’s Copiability: Copiable mana costs are values that can be copied to a token copy.
- Token Copies and Mana Cost: Token copies inherit the mana cost of the spell or ability that created them.
- No Copying of Non-Copiable Costs: If the mana cost is not copiable, it’s not applied to the token copy.
Examples of CMC for Token Copies
Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate this concept:
| Card | Mana Cost | Copiability | CMC of Token Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireball | 3RR | Copiable | 3RR |
| Swords to Plowshares | 3W | Not Copiable | 0 |
| Grizzly Bears | 2G | Copiable | 2G |
| Falkenrath Aristocrat | 2B | Copiable | 2B |
In the above examples:
- Fireball’s mana cost is 3RR, which is copiable. The token copy of Fireball also has a CMC of 3RR.
- Swords to Plowshares’ mana cost is 3W, which is not copiable. The token copy of Swords to Plowshares has a CMC of 0, as the non-copiable mana cost is ignored.
- Grizzly Bears’ mana cost is 2G, which is copiable. The token copy of Grizzly Bears has a CMC of 2G.
- Falkenrath Aristocrat’s mana cost is 2B, which is copiable. The token copy of Falkenrath Aristocrat has a CMC of 2B.
Important Considerations
Here are some key takeaways:
- Token Copies inherit the mana cost: Whenever a token copy is created, it inherits the mana cost of the original card.
- Copiable mana costs are important: If a mana cost is copiable, the CMC of the token copy is the same as the original. If it’s not copiable, it’s ignored.
- Token Copies can Flip/Transform: Token copies, like regular copies, can flip or transform based on the original card’s mechanics.
Conclusion
Token copies and their mana costs can be complex to navigate, but understanding the concepts of copiability and inheritable mana costs can make all the difference. When dealing with token copies in Magic: The Gathering, remember that copiable mana costs are applied, and non-copiable mana costs are ignored. Keep in mind that token copies can flip or transform like regular copies, and CMC plays a crucial role in determining the game-changing potential of these token creations.