What happens if you copy a creature with 1 1 counters?

What Happens if You Copy a Creature with 1 +1 Counters?

When it comes to copying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, there are many rules and nuances to keep in mind. One of the most important things to consider is what happens when you copy a creature with +1/+1 counters. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of copying creatures with counters and provide guidance on how to navigate these situations.

Counters are Not Copiable

The first thing to know is that counters on a creature are not copiable. When you copy a creature, you’re creating a new version of that creature, but you’re not copying the counters on the original creature. This means that if you copy a creature with +1/+1 counters, the new copy will not have those counters.

The Original Creature’s Counters Are Removed

When you copy a creature, the original creature’s counters are removed. This is because the copy is a new, separate creature, and it doesn’t inherit the counters from the original. For example, if you copy a 2/2 creature with two +1/+1 counters, the original creature will no longer have those counters, and the copy will be a 2/2 creature with no counters.

The Copy’s Power and Toughness Are Calculated

When you copy a creature, its power and toughness are calculated based on its original values, minus any counters that were removed. In the example above, the copy of the 2/2 creature with two +1/+1 counters would have a power and toughness of 2, not 4.

Table: Copied Creature’s Power and Toughness

Other Effects May Apply

When you copy a creature, other effects may apply, such as abilities that trigger when a creature is copied or abilities that affect the copied creature. These effects can be complex and dependent on the specific cards involved, so it’s essential to read the card text carefully and understand how they interact.

Mana Cost is Copied

The mana cost of the copied creature is copied, but this doesn’t affect the creature’s power and toughness. For example, if you copy a 2-mana creature with +1/+1 counters, the copy will have the same mana cost, but its power and toughness will be calculated based on its original values, minus any counters that were removed.

Storm and Copied Spells

When you copy a spell, it doesn’t count as a "cast" for the purposes of storm. This means that if you copy a spell with storm, the storm effect will not trigger. However, if the copied spell has a mana cost, you will still need to pay that cost to play it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you copy a creature with +1/+1 counters, the original creature’s counters are removed, and the copy’s power and toughness are calculated based on its original values, minus any counters that were removed. Other effects may apply, and the mana cost of the copied creature is copied, but this doesn’t affect the creature’s power and toughness. By understanding these rules and nuances, you can navigate the complex world of copying creatures in Magic: The Gathering with confidence.