Does copying count as targeting MTG?

Does Coping Count as Targeting in Magic the Gathering?

In Magic: The Gathering, targeting is a crucial concept that determines who or what a spell’s effects will affect. But does copying a spell or ability count as targeting? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide examples to help clarify this important issue.

What is Targeting?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s define what targeting in Magic means. According to the Game State and Timing section (701.3) of the current Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules,

"701.3a an instant or sorcery spell targets if its spell ability identifies something it will affect by using the phrase ‘target something,’ where the ‘something’ is a phrase that describes an object and/or player."

In summary, targeting refers to the act of stating a specific object or player that a spell will affect.

Does Copying a Spell or Ability Count as Targeting?

Now, let’s address our main question: does copying a spell or ability count as targeting? The Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules clarifies this in section C.R. 702.40A:

"702.40a Abilities that create copies of something don’t target that same something. For example, if Fecundity creates three copies of a spell, those copies wouldn’t target the original spell."

This shows that copying a spell or ability does not count as targeting. Since copying is not the result of a spell’s ability identifying specific objects or players, it does not match the definition of targeting.

Examples Supporting the Rule

To further exemplify this concept, let’s consider three scenarios:

1. Twincast: You cast Twincast under the effect of Isochron Scepter. Because you’re copying the spell Twincast, we’re not targeting the original spell. Twincast is triggered, but the copy doesn’t contribute to the trigger.
2. Eternal Witness: You tutor Eternal Witness, which allows you to copy a spell during your upkeep. The copied card is not targeting the original spell Eternal Witness specified.
3. Storm: Although Storm has Trample, copying the storm spell doesn’t trigger the Trample due to the lack of targeting.

It’s essential to understand that copying often involves creating a new object linked to the original, rather than attempting to affect the original directly.

Implications and Exceptions

We’ve established that copying a spell or ability does not count as targeting. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions and implications that gamers should be aware of:

• Cascade Counters: When a spell triggered by Cascade is countered or destroyed, the Cascade trigger effect is not affected. This is one instance where copying a spell counts as targeting, but only applies to the Cascade trigger.
• Morphing: Morphing a Creature or other object doesn’t count as targeting, as it mainly changes the object’s appearance or classification.
• Flavor Text: There might be instances where a flavor text quote or a specific card design implies specific targeting. However, these are stylistic choices and do not affect the spell’s actual targeting.

Conclusion: Does Copying Count as Targeting?

In conclusion, copying a spell or ability in Magic: The Gathering does not count as targeting MTG. This distinction is crucial as it affects how we understand our spells’ effects and how certain abilities interact with each other in the game. Remember that we’re not targeting the original or resulting objects when we copy spells as part of the game’s strategic and creative aspects.

Acknowledgments

This article reflects the current Magic: The Gathering official rules and is intended for gamers of all levels. We must acknowledge the incredible work of Mark Rosewater, Magic’s Commander-in-Chief, and the wizards.com team for creating and revising the game’s rules.

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