Do Curses Target Players?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, curses are a type of enchantment that can have a significant impact on the game. But when it comes to the question of whether curses target players, the answer is a bit more complicated.
What is a Curse?
Before we dive into the specifics of whether curses target players, let’s define what a curse is. A curse is a type of enchantment that can be attached to a player or a permanent on the battlefield. It’s a way for a player to exert their influence over the game state and affect their opponent’s abilities.
Do Curses Target Players?
According to the Magic: The Gathering official rules, a curse is a type of enchantment that targets a player. 601.3 states that a player can begin to cast a spell only if a rule or effect allows that player to cast it and no rule or effect prohibits that player from casting it. This means that when a player casts a curse, they are specifically targeting themselves or another player.
How Do Curses Work?
So, how do curses actually work? When a player casts a curse, it becomes attached to the targeted player or permanent. The curse then exerts its influence over the game state, affecting the targeted player’s abilities and actions. 603.6 explains that trigger events that involve objects changing zones are called "zone-change triggers". Many abilities with zone-change triggers attempt to do something to that object after it changes zones. During resolution, these abilities look for the object in the zone that it moved to.
Examples of Curses
Let’s take a look at some examples of curses that target players:
| Curse | Effect |
|---|---|
| Curse of Echoes | Whenever you cast a spell, target player discards a card. |
| Curse of Misfortunes | Target player can’t play lands. |
| Curse of Silence | Target player can’t cast spells. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, curses do indeed target players. When a player casts a curse, they are specifically targeting themselves or another player, which allows the curse to exert its influence over the game state. Whether it’s discarding cards, restricting land play, or silencing spells, curses are a powerful tool for any player looking to gain an advantage.
Additional Resources
- Magic: The Gathering Official Rules – 601.3 and 603.6
- The Gamer – Why Do People Hate Planeswalkers?
- Tapped Out – Do Enchantments Target Creatures?
- MTG Salvation – What is Rule 601.3 in Magic?