Do Copied Creatures Retain Counters?
In Magic: The Gathering, counters are a type of effect that can be applied to permanents, such as creatures, lands, and artifacts. A counter is a token that represents a specific value, power, or ability that is added to the affected permanent. When a creature is copied, a new creature enters the battlefield as a duplicate of the original. The question arises: do the counters on the original creature remain on the copied creature?
Counters on the Object Being Copied and Objects Attached to it
No, Counters Are Not Copied
According to the Comprehensive Rules of Magic (CR 122.2), counters are not copied when a creature is copied. This means that any counters on the original creature do not remain on the copied creature. The counters, including +1/+1 counters, are removed from the original creature and do not transfer to the copied creature.
Examples
- Clone: Clone’s ability creates a copy of the target creature, but the copy does not inherit any counters or auras (enchantments attached to the creature) from the original creature.
- Flicker: Flicker’s ability removes all counters and auras from a creature, including +1/+1 counters.
Do +1 Counters Count as a Creature’s Power?
Yes, +1 Counters Add to Power and Toughness
+1/+1 counters are a type of counter that adds one to a creature’s power and toughness. When a +1/+1 counter is added to a creature, it is considered to be part of the creature’s power and toughness, and it counts towards the creature’s power and toughness.
What Happens When a Creature is Exiled?
No Counters are Retained
When a creature is exiled, it is removed from the game and any counters or auras on the creature are also removed. This means that if a creature with +1/+1 counters is exiled, the counters are removed from the game and do not remain on the exiled creature.
Do Creators Lose Counters When Returned to Hand?
No, Counters Remain
When a creature is returned to its owner’s hand, it does not lose any counters it had while it was in play. This means that if a creature with +1/+1 counters is returned to its owner’s hand, the counters remain attached to the creature.
Do +1 Counters Count Towards a Creature’s Power and Toughness When it is Flickered?
No, +1 Counters Are Removed
When a creature is flickered, any +1/+1 counters on the creature are removed. This means that even if a creature has +1/+1 counters added to it, when it is flickered, those counters are removed and do not count towards the creature’s power and toughness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a creature is copied, the counters on the original creature do not remain on the copied creature. +1/+1 counters add to a creature’s power and toughness, and are removed when a creature is exiled or flickered. When a creature is returned to its owner’s hand, any counters it had while it was in play remain attached to the creature.