Does Phasing Out Trigger Summoning Sickness?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, phasing out and summoning sickness are two important concepts that can significantly impact gameplay. In this article, we’ll delve into the question: Does phasing out trigger summoning sickness?
Direct Answer
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, phasing out does not trigger summoning sickness. This means that when a creature phases out, it does not become a new creature that is subject to summoning sickness.
What is Summoning Sickness?
Before we dive into the specifics of phasing out, let’s briefly discuss what summoning sickness is. Summoning sickness is a rule that applies to creatures that enter the battlefield. It states that a creature that enters the battlefield cannot attack or use abilities until its controller’s next untap step. This rule is designed to prevent players from immediately attacking or using abilities with their new creatures, giving their opponents a chance to react.
What is Phasing Out?
Phasing out is a mechanic that allows a permanent to leave the battlefield and then return to the battlefield under its owner’s control. This can be done through various means, such as using a spell or ability that phases out a creature, or through the natural phasing out process that occurs at the end of the turn.
The Key Difference
The key difference between phasing out and entering the battlefield is that phasing out does not trigger summoning sickness. When a creature phases out, it is not considered to have entered the battlefield, and therefore is not subject to summoning sickness.
Examples
Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference:
- Example 1: You cast a creature spell and it phases out immediately. In this case, the creature never entered the battlefield, and therefore is not subject to summoning sickness.
- Example 2: You cast a creature spell and it stays on the battlefield. In this case, the creature is subject to summoning sickness and cannot attack or use abilities until its controller’s next untap step.
- Example 3: You cast a creature spell and it phases out, then phases back in at the end of the turn. In this case, the creature is not subject to summoning sickness because it did not enter the battlefield when it phased out.
Consequences
The lack of summoning sickness when phasing out has significant consequences for gameplay. For example:
- Attack Potential: Phasing out allows creatures to avoid summoning sickness and attack immediately, making them more formidable on the battlefield.
- Ability Use: Phasing out also allows creatures to use their abilities immediately, rather than waiting until their controller’s next untap step.
- Gameplay Strategies: The lack of summoning sickness when phasing out opens up new gameplay strategies and possibilities, such as using phasing out to avoid removal spells or to create temporary board presence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, phasing out does not trigger summoning sickness. This means that creatures that phase out are not subject to the usual rules of summoning sickness, and can attack and use abilities immediately. Understanding this concept is crucial for building effective gameplay strategies and navigating the complexities of Magic: The Gathering.
Additional Resources
For more information on phasing out and summoning sickness, check out the official Magic: The Gathering rules and resources:
- Official Magic: The Gathering Rules: www.magic.wizards.com/rules
- Magic: The Gathering FAQs: www.magic.wizards.com/faqs
I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about phasing out and summoning sickness. Happy gaming!