Do Counters Get Copied?
In Magic: The Gathering, counters are a crucial aspect of gameplay, allowing players to manipulate the power and toughness of their creatures. But have you ever wondered if counters get copied when a card is copied? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of counters and explore the answer to this question.
Direct Answer: No, Counters Do Not Get Copied
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, counters are not copied when a card is copied. This means that if a creature with a counter is copied, the counter is not duplicated on the copied creature. Instead, the copied creature will have its own set of counters, separate from the original.
Why Counters Don’t Get Copied
There are several reasons why counters don’t get copied. One reason is that counters are not considered a part of a card’s "copiable values". Copiable values include a card’s name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, and loyalty. Counters, on the other hand, are a separate entity that is added to a card’s power and toughness.
Another reason why counters don’t get copied is that they are not considered a part of a card’s "permanent" state. When a card is copied, its permanent state is duplicated, including its power, toughness, and any other permanent effects. However, counters are not considered a permanent effect, as they can be added or removed at any time.
Examples of Counters Not Getting Copied
Here are a few examples of cards that demonstrate how counters don’t get copied:
- Example 1: Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker is a creature with a +1/+1 counter. If you copy Kiki-Jiki with Copy (a spell that creates a copy of a creature), the copied Kiki-Jiki will not have a +1/+1 counter.
- Example 2: Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx is a land with a +1/+1 counter. If you copy Nykthos with Copy, the copied Nykthos will not have a +1/+1 counter.
When Counters Do Get Copied
While counters don’t get copied in the classical sense, there are some exceptions where counters can be duplicated. Here are a few examples:
- Example 1: Echoing Truth is a spell that says "If a permanent would be put into a graveyard, exile it instead." If you use Echoing Truth to exile a creature with a +1/+1 counter, the exiled creature will retain its counter when it’s returned to the battlefield.
- Example 2: Vine Mare is a creature with a +1/+1 counter. If you use Vine Mare‘s ability to create a token copy of itself, the token will also have a +1/+1 counter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, counters do not get copied when a card is copied. This is because counters are not considered a part of a card’s copiable values or permanent state. While there are some exceptions where counters can be duplicated, these are rare and typically require specific card effects. By understanding how counters work, you can make more informed decisions during gameplay and improve your overall Magic: The Gathering experience.