What is Considered a Permanent in Magic?
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a popular trading card game where players use various cards to summon creatures, cast spells, and attack each other. To understand the game mechanics, it’s essential to know what constitutes a permanent in MTG. In this article, we’ll delve into the definition of a permanent, its characteristics, and the types of cards that are considered permanent.
Definition of a Permanent
A permanent is a card or token on the battlefield that remains there until it’s destroyed, exiled, sacrificed, or removed according to the game rules. As stated in the Magic: The Gathering Official Rules, a permanent "remains on the battlefield indefinitely." Once a card enters the battlefield, it becomes a permanent and can be affected by other cards, abilities, and rules.
Characteristics of a Permanent
Here are some key characteristics of a permanent:
• Remains on the battlefield indefinitely: A permanent stays on the battlefield until it’s destroyed, exiled, sacrificed, or removed according to the game rules.
• Can be affected by other cards, abilities, and rules: A permanent can be targeted by spells, abilities, and effects, which can change its properties or eliminate it from the game.
• Can’t be removed from the battlefield during the cleanup step: A permanent can’t be removed from the battlefield during the cleanup step, which occurs at the end of each turn.
Types of Permanent Cards
Here are the different types of permanent cards in MTG:
| Card Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Artifact: A permanent artifact card represents a magical object, device, or structure that remains on the battlefield. | |
| Creature: A permanent creature card represents a living being that can attack and defend. | |
| Enchantment: A permanent enchantment card represents a magical influence or aura that affects the game. | |
| Land: A permanent land card represents a terrain, location, or territory that provides resources for the game. | |
| Planewalker: A permanent Planeswalker card represents a powerful, magical being with unique abilities. | |
| Token: A permanent token card represents a temporary, miniature version of a creature, artifact, or other permanent. |
When a Card Becomes a Permanent
A card becomes a permanent when it:
• Enters the battlefield: When a card is played from a player’s hand, it enters the battlefield and becomes a permanent.
• Is turned face up: When a flipped card is turned face up, it becomes a permanent.
• Is created by a spell or ability: When a spell or ability creates a permanent, it remains on the battlefield until destroyed or removed.
Examples of Permanents
Here are some examples of permanents in MTG:
- Llanowar Elves (Creature): A token creature that can attack and defend.
- Mox Sapphire (Artifact): A card that provides mana, a magical resource, for casting spells.
- Daybreak Coronet (Enchantment): An aura that grants a creature +1/+1 and lifelink.
- Sulfur Falls (Land): A terrain that produces one blue mana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a permanent in Magic: The Gathering is a card or token on the battlefield that remains there until destroyed, exiled, sacrificed, or removed according to the game rules. Permanents can be artifacts, creatures, enchantments, lands, Planeswalkers, or tokens, and each has unique properties and effects on the game. Understanding permanents is essential to mastering the game and making informed decisions about card play and strategy.