What Counts as a Target Permanent MTG?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, a target permanent refers to a specific card or token that is being affected by a spell, ability, or other effect. In this article, we’ll explore what counts as a target permanent and how to identify it.
Defining a Target Permanent
A target permanent is defined as a card or token that is being targeted by a spell, ability, or other effect. This can include creatures, artifacts, enchantments, lands, and planeswalkers. To identify a target permanent, look for words or phrases such as "target creature," "target artifact," or "target planeswalker" in the card text or effect description.
Types of Target Permanents
There are several types of target permanents in MTG, including:
• Creatures: Any creature on the battlefield is considered a target permanent. This includes regular creatures, legendary creatures, and tokens created by spells or abilities.
• Artifacts: Any artifact on the battlefield is considered a target permanent, including regular artifacts, legendary artifacts, and tokens created by spells or abilities.
• Enchantments: Any enchantment on the battlefield is considered a target permanent, including regular enchantments, legendary enchantments, and tokens created by spells or abilities.
• Lands: Any land on the battlefield is considered a target permanent.
• Planeswalkers: Any planeswalker on the battlefield is considered a target permanent.
How to Identify a Target Permanent
To identify a target permanent, follow these steps:
• Read the card text: Look at the card text or effect description to see if it targets a specific card or token.
• Check the timing: Check the timing of the spell or ability to see if it’s targeting a specific card or token.
• Look for keywords: Look for keywords such as "target" or "targeted" in the card text or effect description.
Examples of Target Permanents
Here are some examples of target permanents in MTG:
• Creatures: If a spell says "Destroy target creature," the target permanent is the creature being targeted.
• Artifacts: If a spell says "Destroy target artifact," the target permanent is the artifact being targeted.
• Enchantments: If a spell says "Destroy target enchantment," the target permanent is the enchantment being targeted.
• Lands: If a spell says "Destroy target land," the target permanent is the land being targeted.
• Planeswalkers: If a spell says "Destroy target planeswalker," the target permanent is the planeswalker being targeted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a target permanent in MTG refers to a specific card or token that is being affected by a spell, ability, or other effect. By identifying the types of target permanents and how to identify them, you can better understand how to use cards and effects in your gameplay. Remember to always read the card text and timing of spells and abilities to identify the target permanent.
Common Questions and Answers
- What happens if a spell or ability targets a non-existent target permanent?: If a spell or ability targets a non-existent target permanent, the effect will simply have no effect.
- Can a spell or ability target a permanent that’s already been destroyed?: No, a spell or ability cannot target a permanent that’s already been destroyed.
- Can a spell or ability target a permanent that’s being controlled by a different player?: Yes, a spell or ability can target a permanent that’s being controlled by a different player.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to identify the target permanent: Make sure to read the card text and timing of spells and abilities to identify the target permanent.
- Targeting a permanent that’s already been destroyed: Make sure to check if the permanent being targeted has already been destroyed.
- Targeting a permanent that’s being controlled by a different player: Make sure to check the controller of the permanent being targeted before casting a spell or using an ability.