Do copied spells count as cast spells?

Do Copied Spells Count as Cast Spells?

In the world of magic, the question of whether copied spells count as cast spells is a crucial one. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of spell copying and examine the various perspectives on this topic.

Direct Answer

To answer the question directly, copied spells do not count as cast spells. According to the Comprehensive Rules (CR) of Magic: The Gathering, a copy of a spell is not considered to be cast (CR 707.10). This means that the spell is not considered to have been played, and its effects are not triggered.

The Concept of Spell Copying

Before we dive into the details, let’s define what we mean by spell copying. In Magic: The Gathering, a spell can be copied through various means, such as the Isochron Scepter or the Phantasmal Terrain. When a spell is copied, the copy is created on the stack, and it can be modified or changed before it resolves.

What Counts as Casting a Spell?

So, what does it mean to cast a spell? According to the CR, casting a spell means to take a card from where it is (usually the hand), put it on the stack, and pay its costs (CR 702.40a). This definition makes it clear that copying a spell does not meet the criteria for casting a spell.

The Importance of Cast Trigger

One of the key implications of this distinction is the concept of cast trigger. A cast trigger is a mechanic that triggers when a spell is cast, such as the Storm mechanic. Since copied spells are not considered to be cast, they do not trigger cast triggers.

Do Copied Spells Count Towards Storm?

In this context, the question of whether copied spells count towards Storm becomes crucial. The answer is no. According to the CR, a cast trigger only triggers when the spell is cast, and since copied spells are not considered to be cast, they do not trigger Storm.

Kicking a Copied Spell

Another important aspect to consider is the concept of kicking. Kicking a spell allows you to pay an additional cost to modify the spell’s effects. When a spell is copied, can you kick it? The answer is yes. Since the copy is considered to be a modified version of the original spell, you can pay the additional cost to kick it.

Expendable Resources

In some cases, copying a spell can use up resources, such as time and material. For example, the Spellbook feature of the wizard class in Dungeons & Dragons describes the cost of copying a spell in terms of time and gold. Expendable resources are resources that are consumed when a spell is cast, and since copied spells are not considered to be cast, they do not use up expendable resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copied spells do not count as cast spells. This distinction is important because it affects the behavior of various mechanics, such as Storm and kicking. By understanding the differences between casting and copying spells, players can make more informed decisions about how to play their cards.

Important Points

• Copied spells do not count as cast spells.
• Copying a spell does not trigger cast triggers, such as Storm.
• You can kick a copied spell.
• Expendable resources are used up when a spell is cast, not when it is copied.

References

• Comprehensive Rules (CR) of Magic: The Gathering
• Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
• Isochron Scepter and Phantasmal Terrain card texts