Do Swamps Count Towards Devotion?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, devotion is a crucial aspect of building a commander deck. It’s essential to understand what counts towards devotion to ensure your deck is optimized for performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the question: Do swamps count towards devotion?
Direct Answer: No, Swamps Do Not Count Towards Devotion
According to the official Magic: The Gathering FAQ, lands do not count towards devotion. This includes basic lands, non-basic lands, and even artifacts that produce mana. Swamps, in particular, do not have any mana value and therefore do not contribute to devotion.
Why Doesn’t Devotion Count Lands?
There are several reasons why lands are excluded from devotion:
- Colorless mana: Lands do not produce colored mana, which is essential for devotion. Devotion only considers mana symbols that have a color.
- No mana value: Lands do not have a mana value, which is the amount of mana required to cast a spell. Since lands do not produce mana, they do not have a mana value.
- Different purpose: Lands serve a different purpose in the game. They provide mana, which is used to cast spells, whereas devotion is about building a cohesive color identity.
What Counts Towards Devotion?
So, what does count towards devotion? Here are some essential points to keep in mind:
- Mana symbols: Mana symbols on permanents, such as creatures, enchantments, and planeswalkers, count towards devotion.
- Colored mana: Colored mana produced by artifacts, creatures, and other sources contributes to devotion.
- Color identity: The color identity of a card, which includes the card’s color and any colored mana symbols, is considered when calculating devotion.
Examples of Cards that Count Towards Devotion
Here are some examples of cards that count towards devotion:
| Card | Mana Value | Color Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Griselbrand | 2BB | Black |
| Rakdos’s Return | 2R | Red |
| Teferi, Hero of Dominaria | 2UU | Blue |
In these examples, the mana value and color identity of the cards contribute to devotion. Griselbrand, for instance, has a mana value of 2BB, which includes two black mana symbols. Rakdos’s Return has a mana value of 2R, which includes one red mana symbol. Teferi, Hero of Dominaria has a mana value of 2UU, which includes two blue mana symbols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, swamps do not count towards devotion in Magic: The Gathering. Lands, including basic lands, non-basic lands, and artifacts that produce mana, are excluded from devotion calculations. Mana symbols, colored mana, and color identity are the key factors that contribute to devotion. By understanding what counts towards devotion, you can build a commander deck that is optimized for performance and fun.