Do copies of cards have a CMC?

Do Copies of Cards Have a CMC?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the Converted Mana Cost (CMC) of a card is crucial for building a competitive deck. But what happens when we create a copy of a card? Does the copy inherit the original card’s CMC? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of CMC and explore the answers to this question.

Direct Answer: Yes, Copies of Cards Have a CMC

According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a copy of a card inherits the original card’s CMC. This means that when you create a copy of a card, such as through a card like Clone or Sylvan Library, the copy will have the same CMC as the original card.

Mana Cost vs. Converted Mana Cost

Before we dive deeper, it’s essential to understand the difference between a card’s mana cost and its converted mana cost. A card’s mana cost is the amount of mana required to play the card, while its converted mana cost is the total amount of mana required to play the card, taking into account any additional costs or effects.

Copies of Spells

When you create a copy of a spell, such as through a card like Sylvan Library or Echoing Truth, the copy will have the same mana cost as the original spell. However, the copy will not have the same converted mana cost as the original spell. This is because the copy is not played from the stack, but rather from the battlefield, and therefore does not trigger any additional costs or effects.

Copies of Creatures

When you create a copy of a creature, such as through a card like Clone or Spectral Procession, the copy will have the same mana cost as the original creature. The copy will also have the same converted mana cost as the original creature, unless the original creature has any additional costs or effects that affect its converted mana cost.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to the rule that copies of cards have the same CMC as the original card. For example:

• Tokens: Tokens, which are created by cards like Sylvan Library or Echoing Truth, do not have a CMC. This is because tokens are not considered to be individual cards, but rather a representation of a card’s effect.
• Phantom Tokens: Phantom tokens, which are created by cards like Phantom Monster or Phantom Beast, do have a CMC. However, their CMC is determined by the card that created them, rather than the original card.
• Miracles: Miracles, which are created by cards like Miracle or Miracle Worker, do not have a CMC. This is because miracles are not considered to be individual cards, but rather a representation of a card’s effect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copies of cards do have a CMC, and it is determined by the original card’s CMC. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as tokens, phantom tokens, and miracles. Understanding the CMC of a card is crucial for building a competitive deck, and this article has provided a comprehensive overview of how CMC works in Magic: The Gathering.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to keep in mind when working with CMC:

• Keep an eye on your CMC: When building a deck, it’s essential to keep an eye on your CMC and make sure that it’s not too high. This can help you avoid playing cards that are too expensive and make it easier to play the cards you need.
• Use cards with low CMC: Cards with low CMC are often more versatile and can be played in a variety of situations. Look for cards with low CMC when building your deck.
• Use cards with high CMC: Cards with high CMC can be powerful and game-changing, but they often require more mana to play. Use cards with high CMC sparingly and only when you have the mana to play them.
• Use cards with variable CMC: Cards with variable CMC can be tricky to work with, but they can also be very powerful. Use cards with variable CMC sparingly and only when you have a good understanding of how they work.

Table: CMC of Common Card Types

Table: CMC of Rare Card Types

By understanding the CMC of a card, you can build a more competitive deck and make more informed decisions during gameplay. Remember to keep an eye on your CMC, use cards with low CMC, and use cards with high CMC sparingly. With practice and experience, you’ll become a master of CMC and be able to build decks that dominate the competition.