Do copies of creatures have CMC?

Do copies of creatures have CMC?

Introduction

COPYING CREATURES and their abilities is a pivotal aspect of Magic: The Gathering. Players often explore various strategies that involve duplication, transformation, and transmutation of creatures to bend the game to their whim. In this article, we’ll delve into whether copies of creatures have Colorless Mana Cost (CMC).

Direct answer

Yes, copies of creatures have CMC. This is outlined in the official Magic rulebook: "Mana Cost is a copiable value. The copy will have the same CMC as whatever it’s copying" (Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules, 602.6a).

However, it’s essential to understand that this rule may have implications on the creation and manipulation of copies throughout the game. Let’s explore these nuances further by examining specific scenarios.

Creature copies and legends

Copying legendary creatures: When a legendary creature is copied, the player creating the copy must remove all but one of its copies from the game after the copy is created.

Example scenario:
Let’s suppose you copy a legendary Dragon, and you have seven copies on the battlefield.

• The copying effect destroys all but one of your Dragon copies.
• Two Dragons are removed from play, leaving only one surviving copy.

Creature copies and devotion

• Copying non- legendary creatures: Copies of permanent creatures are also subject to the devotion rule. "If you copy your opponent’s creature, everything’s fine. If you copy your own, you’ll be forced to send all but one of them to the graveyard" (Do Copies of Cards Add to Your Devotion? https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/go-to-answer/11260967).

As you can see, dedication to your own creatures during devotion may result in costly consequences. This highlights the importance of understanding the relationships between creature copies and permanency status throughout game progressions.

Creature token copies

Token cards: Tokens created by non-legendary creatures copied by token-creating means (e.g., a token-producing ability) must be removed from the battlefield after the copying effect (Magic: The Gathering Companion, 302.53).

For instance, copy a creature that creates +1/+1 tokens until end of turn. Creating multiple tokens won’t extend the duration of the triggered ability. Instead, upon resolution, all tokens – including the copied ones – will be removed from combat.

Mirrored creatures

Mirroir Mirror: This Mirroir card creates token copies of artifacts, creatures, enchantments, and lands. Copies of copied creatures can also be taken, creating an additional cascading effect (Magic: The Gathering FAQs FAQ List.

When copying a creature to create a Mirroir Mirror token, the creation of a copy of the copy is taken into account. This demonstrates the complex web of dependencies between copied creatures and related effects.

Conclusion and summary

In conclusion:

• Copies of creatures possess colorless mana cost (CMC) in line with the official Magic rule.
• Copying legendary and non-legendary permanent creatures, including devotion’s implications.
• Token-related copying, with removal necessary after copying.
• Using Mirroir Mirror.

Understanding the intricacies within copying creatures will help strategy development and overall gameplay control. Keep in mind:
• Copying creatures allows for complex game interactions but also increases risk because of the devotion rule,
• Removing excess duplicate creatures from the battlefield avoids unwanted repercussions,
and
• Mirrors can create a web-like effect, as seen, where copied creatures can interact with their copies.

Applying these principles will unlock new opportunities for strategic combat and victory.