Does Casting Copies Count for Storm?
Direct Answer: No, casting copies does not count for storm. This might seem counterintuitive, as the idea of a storm spell casting additional spells can be confusing. In this article, we’ll break down the intricacies of storm casting and how it relates to copies of spells.
Understanding the Concept of Storm
What is a Storm?
A storm is a specific type of spellcasting mechanism in Magic: The Gathering. It’s characterized by the casting of a spell that generates additional, similar spells to be played from the player’s hand. These additional spells can then be played, just like any other spell.
How Storm Works
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the storm mechanism:
- A player casts a storm spell (such as Grapeshot or Brainstorm).
- The spell resolves and creates multiple copies of the same spell in the player’s hand.
- These copies are treated as separate spells, meaning they can be played independently or together.
The Significance of Copying
Now, let’s discuss the impact of copying spells on storm counts. Copy refers to the act of creating an exact duplicate of a spell in the hand. This duplication process occurs when a storm spell resolves and creates multiple copies of the same spell.
- Important: When a spell is copied, the original spell is not "cast." Instead, a new instance of the same spell is created.
- Result: The new copy is not counted as a "cast" spell, as it was created through a copying mechanism, not the original casting.
How This Affects Storm Counts
When you copy a spell, you are creating a new, separate entity. This means that:
- The copied spell is not counted as a storm spell.
- The copied spell does not trigger additional storm effects (such as creating more copies).
Here’s a Table to Illustrate:
| Spell | Copied Spell | Storm Count |
|---|---|---|
| Original Grapeshot | N/A | 1 |
| Copy of Grapeshot | Grapeshot (copied) | 1 |
In the example above, the original Grapeshot spell counts as 1 storm. When it’s copied, the new copy is also considered Grapeshot (copied), but it does not add to the storm count.
Implications and Consequences
Understanding how copies affect storm counts can have significant implications for players:
- Planning Ahead: When deciding which spells to play, keep in mind that copies won’t trigger additional storm effects. This can impact your decision-making and gameplay strategy.
- Stacking Multiple Storms: While a copied spell doesn’t contribute to the storm count, playing multiple original storm spells can still lead to exponential growth in storm potential. This can create a significant advantage for players who can manage multiple storm counts effectively.
Conclusion:
In summary, casting copies does not count for storm. This distinction is crucial for understanding the complex mechanics of storm casting. By recognizing how copying spells affects storm counts, you can refine your gameplay and make more informed decisions.
Additional Resources:
- Brainstorm (MTG): An official Magic: The Gathering article discussing storm and copy mechanics.
- The Comprehensive Rules of Magic (CR 903.10): An official reference document outlining the rules and definitions for copying spells.
- Grapeshot (MTG): An example of a storm spell with copying abilities.