What happens when you copy a planeswalker ability?

What Happens When You Copy a Planeswalker Ability?

In Magic: The Gathering, copying a planeswalker ability is a fascinating topic that has generated a lot of discussion and debate among players. As a result, we have put together this comprehensive article to help you understand the ins and outs of copying planeswalker abilities.

What Does It Mean to Copy a Planeswalker Ability?

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand what copying a planeswalker ability means. When you copy a planeswalker ability, you are essentially duplicating the effect of the planeswalker’s ability. This can be done using cards like Rings of Brighthearth or other similar effects.

Do Copied Planeswalker Abilities Affect Loyalty?

One common question that arises when copying a planeswalker ability is whether the copied ability will affect the planeswalker’s loyalty. The answer is no, the copied ability will not affect the planeswalker’s loyalty. The loyalty counters are part of the cost of the ability, not the effect itself, so copying the ability does not change the planeswalker’s loyalty.

Example: Suppose you have a planeswalker with 3 loyalty counters and you copy its ability using Rings of Brighthearth. The copied ability will go on the stack and resolve, but the original planeswalker’s loyalty remains unchanged.

Can You Copy Legendary Planeswalkers?

Another common question is whether you can copy legendary planeswalkers. The answer is no, you cannot copy legendary planeswalkers. This is because legendary permanents are bound by the "legend rule", which prevents multiple copies of the same legendary permanent from existing on the battlefield under the same player’s control.

Example: Suppose you have a legendary planeswalker on the battlefield and you try to copy its ability using Rings of Brighthearth. The copy will not be legal, and the attempt to copy the ability will be rejected.

Table: Can You Copy?

What Happens When You Blink a Planeswalker and Activate its Ability Again?

One popular strategy in Magic is blinking a planeswalker using a card like Courser of Kruphix and then activating its ability again. What happens when you do this?

The answer is that you can indeed use a planeswalker’s ability, then blink it and use its ability again that same turn. However, the key thing to note is that the first use of the ability and the second use of the ability are considered separate and distinct uses. This means that you can only trigger any abilities or effects that trigger from the ability being played, not from the ability being copied.

Example: Suppose you have a planeswalker with an ability that says "At the beginning of your end step, you gain 1 life." You blink the planeswalker using Courser of Kruphix and then use its ability again. On the second use, the planeswalker’s ability will not trigger again because it was already triggered earlier in the turn.

Can You Copy a Planeswalker Ability and Then Use It Again?

Another important question is whether you can copy a planeswalker ability and then use it again that same turn. The answer is yes, you can. However, the key thing to note is that you can only use a planeswalker ability once per turn, even if you have copied it.

Example: Suppose you copy a planeswalker ability using Rings of Brighthearth and then use it again that same turn. The second use of the ability will not be legal, and you will be forced to skip the ability.

Summary:

In conclusion, copying a planeswalker ability can be a powerful tool in your Magic: The Gathering deck. However, it’s essential to understand the rules and limitations of copying planeswalker abilities, including whether the copied ability will affect the planeswalker’s loyalty, whether you can copy legendary planeswalkers, and what happens when you blink a planeswalker and activate its ability again. By following this article, you should be better equipped to make informed decisions about when to copy a planeswalker ability in your games.