Do Tokens Enter with Summoning Sickness?
In Magic: The Gathering, Summoning Sickness is a well-known phenomenon that can significantly impact the gameplay of your tokens. But the question remains: do tokens enter with Summoning Sickness?
Answer: Yes, Tokens Do Enter with Summoning Sickness
Unfortunately, tokens do enter the battlefield with Summoning Sickness, just like creature tokens. This means that any token creature that is cast or created will initially have Summoning Sickness. This is stated explicitly in the official rules: "A creature without summoning sickness can’t attack or use its mana abilities the turn it becomes the attacking player’s latest priority" (CR 318).
Why Are Tokens Considered Creatures for Summoning Sickness?
To understand why tokens enter with Summoning Sickness, it’s essential to look at the nature of tokens. By definition, tokens are not permanent objects, but instead represent temporary, ephemeral versions of creatures or cards. When a token is created, it exists solely as a representation of a permanent on the battlefield, just like a regular creature.
How Can I Remove Summoning Sickness from My Tokens?
Removing Summoning Sickness from your tokens requires you to take specific actions or create conditions that nullify its effects. Some ways to remove Summoning Sickness include::
- Attacking: The token can remove its Summoning Sickness by attacking.
- Mana abilities: The token can use its mana abilities the turn it becomes the attacking player’s latest priority.
- Transformations: Certain cards or effects can transform the token, allowing it to bypass its Summoning Sickness.
- Removal Spells: Using removal spells that target the token can temporarily remove its Summoning Sickness.
What’s the Difference Between Tokens and Creature Tokens?
To further complicate matters, some tokens are specifically denoted as "creature tokens". Creature tokens share all the characteristics of normal creature cards, including mana cost, power, toughness, and abilities. This means that creature tokens also have Summoning Sickness and can be targeted by effects that affect creature cards.
In Conclusive Table:
Here is a summary of what you need to know:
| Token Type | Can Enter with Summoning Sickness | Can Remove Summoning Sickness |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Token | Yes | Yes (e.g., attacking, using mana abilities, transformations) |
| Creature Token | Yes | Yes (e.g., attacking, using mana abilities, transformations) |
Conclusion
To answer the question, Do tokens enter with Summoning Sickness?, the short answer is yes. Whether it’s a regular token or a creature token, it will initially have Summoning Sickness. But fear not! By removing Summoning Sickness using the methods outlined above, you can unlock the true potential of your tokens on the battlefield.