Does equip count as a target spell?

Does Equip Count as a Target Spell?

In Magic: The Gathering, the concept of "target" is crucial when it comes to spellcasting. A target spell is one that specifically identifies the object or player it will affect, and the player controlling the spell must choose a valid target for the spell to resolve. In this article, we’ll delve into the question of whether equipping a creature counts as a target spell.

Direct Answer

Yes, activating the "Equip" ability of an Equipment card does count as targeting the creature it will attach to. The reminder text for the "Equip" ability explicitly states that it targets the creature, making it a target spell.

Why Equip Counts as a Target Spell

There are several reasons why equipping a creature counts as a target spell:

• The Equip ability targets a creature: The reminder text for the "Equip" ability clearly states that it targets a creature, making it a target spell.
• The player controlling the spell must choose a valid target: When casting a spell, the player controlling the spell must choose a valid target for the spell to resolve. In the case of the "Equip" ability, the player must choose a creature to equip the Equipment to.
• The spell affects the chosen target: The "Equip" ability affects the chosen creature, attaching the Equipment to it and granting it the specified abilities.

Examples of Equip Counting as a Target Spell

Here are some examples of Equip counting as a target spell:

• Equipping a creature with an Equipment card: When a player casts an Equipment card, they must choose a creature to equip it to. This counts as targeting the creature.
• Equipping a creature with a triggered ability: Some Equipment cards have triggered abilities that trigger when the Equipment is attached to a creature. These abilities are triggered by the Equipment targeting the creature.
• Equipping a creature with a cost-reduction ability: Some Equipment cards have abilities that reduce the cost of attaching them to a creature. These abilities are triggered by the Equipment targeting the creature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equipping a creature counts as a target spell because the "Equip" ability targets the creature, the player controlling the spell must choose a valid target, and the spell affects the chosen target. This is evident in the reminder text for the "Equip" ability, which explicitly states that it targets a creature.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I equip a creature with shroud?: No, creatures with shroud cannot be the target of spells or abilities, including the "Equip" ability.
• Can I equip a creature that is not under my control?: No, the "Equip" ability can only target creatures that you control.
• Can I equip a creature that is not a valid target?: No, the "Equip" ability can only target creatures that are valid targets for the spell. If a creature is not a valid target, the spell will not resolve.

Table: Examples of Equip Counting as a Target Spell

Conclusion

In conclusion, equipping a creature counts as a target spell because the "Equip" ability targets the creature, the player controlling the spell must choose a valid target, and the spell affects the chosen target. This is evident in the reminder text for the "Equip" ability, which explicitly states that it targets a creature.