What counts as targeting in Magic The Gathering?

What Counts as Targeting in Magic The Gathering?

Targeting is a crucial concept in Magic: The Gathering, as it affects the outcome of spells, abilities, and other gameplay interactions. In this article, we’ll delve into what counts as targeting, the different types of targeting, and some important guidelines to keep in mind.

Direct Answer

What counts as targeting in Magic The Gathering? A target is defined as the recipient of the effects of a spell or ability, chosen by its controller. The text on the spell or ability will usually indicate what type of object it can target, such as a creature, player, or permanent.

Different Types of Targeting

There are several types of targeting in Magic The Gathering, including:

• Creatures: Spells or abilities can target specific creatures, dealing damage, tokens, or other effects to them.
• Players: Spells or abilities can target specific players, such as dealing damage or effects to them.
• Permanent: Spells or abilities can target specific permanents, such as lands, artifacts, or enchantments.
• Card types: Spells or abilities can target specific card types, such as creatures, artifacts, or instants.
• Zones: Spells or abilities can target specific zones, such as the library, battlefield, or graveyard.

Guidelines for Targeting

When targeting, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Clear path: To target a creature, it must have a clear path to be targeted. For example, if a creature is blocked by another creature, it cannot be targeted.
• Zone awareness: Be aware of which zones the target is in, as this can affect which spells or abilities can be played.
• Types matter: Pay attention to the type of object you are targeting, as certain spells or abilities may not be able to target that object type.
• Resolving targeting: When targeting, resolve the targeting action before playing the spell or ability.

Examples and Counterexamples

Here are some examples and counterexamples to illustrate the concept of targeting:

Conclusion

In conclusion, targeting is an essential aspect of Magic The Gathering, and understanding what counts as targeting is crucial for playing the game effectively. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and keeping in mind the different types of targeting, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions during your games.

Additional Reading

For more information on targeting and other Magic: The Gathering concepts, consider exploring the following resources:

• The official Magic: The Gathering rules
• Magic: The Gathering instructional materials
• Online community forums and discussion groups