Do mutated creatures keep counters?

Do Mutated Creatures Keep Counters?

When it comes to Magic: The Gathering, creatures are an essential part of any deck. They provide power and toughness, allowing players to attack and defend. But what happens when we mutate a creature? Do the counters stick, or do they disappear? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of mutation and explore the rules surrounding counters.

The Basics of Mutation

Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly review the basics of mutation. In Magic, a creature can be mutated by casting a spell that targets a creature and has the mutate ability. This ability allows us to merge the creature with another creature, creating a new, merged creature.

Do Mutated Creatures Keep Counters?

So, when we mutate a creature, do the counters stick? The answer is yes. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a mutated creature retains all of its counters, including +1/+1 counters, -1/-1 counters, and other types of counters.

Retaining Counters

When a creature is mutated, its counters are not removed. They remain attached to the merged creature, and can be used to calculate its power and toughness. This is important to keep in mind, as it can affect the game state and strategic decisions.

Example 1:

Let’s say we have a creature with 2 +1/+1 counters, and we mutate it with a creature that has a +1/+1 counter ability. The merged creature will have a total of 3 +1/+1 counters, and its power and toughness will be calculated accordingly.

Example 2:

In another scenario, we have a creature with 2 -1/-1 counters, and we mutate it with a creature that has a -1/-1 counter ability. The merged creature will have a total of 3 -1/-1 counters, and its power and toughness will be calculated accordingly.

Other Types of Counters

In addition to +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters, there are other types of counters that can be attached to creatures. These include loyalty counters, poison counters, and more. When a creature is mutated, all of these types of counters are retained, and can be used to calculate the creature’s power and toughness.

Counters on Tokens

What about counters on tokens? When a creature is mutated, any counters on the original creature are retained, even if the token is destroyed. This means that if we have a creature with 2 +1/+1 counters, and we use its ability to create a token, the token will also have 2 +1/+1 counters. If we then mutate the original creature with a creature that has a +1/+1 counter ability, the merged creature will have a total of 3 +1/+1 counters, including the 2 on the token.

Blinking and Counters

What happens when a creature with counters is blinked? According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a blinked creature is returned to the battlefield with its counters. This means that if we have a creature with 2 +1/+1 counters, and we blink it, it will return to the battlefield with its 2 +1/+1 counters intact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when a creature is mutated, its counters are retained. This includes +1/+1 counters, -1/-1 counters, and other types of counters. Understanding how counters work in relation to mutation is important for making strategic decisions in Magic: The Gathering.

Key Takeaways

• Mutated creatures retain all of their counters, including +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters.
• Counters on tokens are retained, even if the token is destroyed.
• Blinked creatures return to the battlefield with their counters intact.
• Counters can be used to calculate a creature’s power and toughness.

FAQs

• Q: Do mutated creatures retain counters?
A: Yes, mutated creatures retain all of their counters.
• Q: What happens to counters on tokens when a creature is mutated?
A: Counters on tokens are retained, even if the token is destroyed.
• Q: What happens when a creature with counters is blinked?
A: The creature returns to the battlefield with its counters intact.

Resources

• Magic: The Gathering Official Rules
• Gatherer Database
• Tapped Out
• Reddit

By understanding how counters work in relation to mutation, you can make informed decisions and improve your gameplay. Remember, counters are an important part of the game, and understanding how they work is crucial for success.