Can You Copy an Extra Turn Spell? A Deep Dive into MTG Mechanics
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Yes, you absolutely can copy an extra turn spell in Magic: The Gathering. This interaction opens up a fascinating realm of strategic possibilities, potentially chaining multiple extra turns together to overwhelm your opponent. However, understanding how this works requires a solid grasp of several key MTG rules, particularly around spell copying and turn order. Let’s delve into the details.
How Copying Spells Works
In MTG, when you copy a spell, you essentially create a duplicate of it on the stack. The stack is the area where spells and abilities go before they resolve. Crucially, a copy of a spell is not considered “cast,” and therefore doesn’t trigger abilities that relate to casting spells.
Here’s the rule regarding copying spells:
A copy of a spell or ability copies both the characteristics of the spell or ability and all decisions made for it, including modes, targets, the value of X, and additional or alternative costs. Choices that are normally made on resolution are not copied.
This means that if you copy an extra turn spell, the copy will also grant an extra turn. For instance, if you cast “Time Warp,” which grants you an extra turn after the current one, and then you copy it with “Twincast,” you’ll gain two extra turns.
The Order of Extra Turns
The critical aspect to consider is the order in which these extra turns are taken. Extra turns are added to the sequence of turns one at a time. The most recently created extra turn is always taken first. This follows the last-in, first-out (LIFO) principle. In the previous “Time Warp” and “Twincast” example, the copy of “Time Warp” created by “Twincast” will resolve first, giving you the first extra turn, and then the original “Time Warp” will resolve, giving you the second. You’ll take the extra turn from the copy before the extra turn from the original spell.
Practical Implications
Copying extra turn spells allows for a powerful and potentially game-winning sequence of actions. By strategically using spells that allow you to copy other spells, such as “Reverberate” or “Increasing Vengeance,” you can take multiple extra turns in a row, giving you more opportunities to cast spells, attack, and overwhelm your opponent. This strategy is often used in combo decks, aiming to take complete control over the game.
It’s also important to note that these copies are subject to typical rules like spell counters. If someone counters the original “Time Warp” you cast, the copied “Time Warp” on the stack will still resolve unless it is also countered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does copying a spell count as casting it?
No, copying a spell does not count as casting it. When a spell is copied, a duplicate is put onto the stack, but the original spell is what was cast. This distinction is very important for certain card interactions, particularly those that care about the act of casting a spell.
2. Can you copy a spell multiple times?
Yes, there is no limit on how many times you can copy a spell, provided you have the resources and abilities to do so. Each copy is a separate instance on the stack and will resolve individually.
3. What happens if you copy an overloaded spell?
Yes, when you copy a spell, you copy all its properties, including any alternative casting costs like Overload. This means a copy of an overloaded spell will also be overloaded.
4. Does copying a spell trigger cascade?
No, copying a spell does not trigger Cascade. Cascade only triggers when a spell is cast from your hand and specifically looks for a spell cast with a converted mana cost that is less than the Cascade spell. Since a copy is never “cast,” it will not trigger Cascade.
5. Does copying a spell increase the storm count?
No, copying a spell does not increase the storm count. Only the act of casting a spell adds to the storm count. Copies are not cast; they are placed directly onto the stack. Therefore, copying a spell will not help trigger a Storm ability.
6. What happens if you copy an adventure spell?
If you copy an Adventure spell, the copy is exiled as it resolves, as it’s an adventure of a creature, and cannot be cast as a creature copy. It ceases to exist as a state-based action.
7. Can you copy a spell more than once with one ability?
Yes, some abilities such as Isochron Scepter allow for multiple instances of copying the same spell using its activated ability.
8. Can an opponent copy your spells?
Yes, your opponents can use their own cards and abilities to copy your spells if they choose to. Just as you can copy theirs. There are cards and abilities that specifically let your opponent copy your spells for their own use.
9. What happens if a copied spell is countered?
If a copy of a spell is countered, the copy is removed from the stack without resolving. This does not affect the original spell that was copied, which will still resolve (unless it is also countered separately).
10. Does playing a land count as a spell?
No, playing a land is not casting a spell. Lands are special actions and move directly to the battlefield without going on the stack. They can never be copied nor affect the storm count.
11. Does copying a spell cost money?
In real life MTG, copying a spell does not cost money directly. However, it requires cards and abilities that have a mana cost that would need to be paid. In D&D, copying spells can incur monetary costs related to components and materials for the spell.
12. What is the artifact that lets you take extra turns?
One artifact that allows you to take extra turns is Time Sieve. By tapping Time Sieve and sacrificing five artifacts, you can take an extra turn.
13. What is the rule of 7 in Magic The Gathering?
The “rule of 7” in MTG refers to the hand size limit. If a player has more than seven cards in hand at the end of their turn, they must discard down to seven.
14. Is a land a permanent in MTG?
Yes, a land is a permanent in Magic The Gathering. Permanents are cards that remain on the battlefield and include artifacts, battles, creatures, enchantments, lands, and planeswalkers.
15. Can you copy a spell of a higher level than you can cast?
This question is only applicable to the D&D version of copying spells. In MTG, spells do not have levels, they have casting costs. You can copy any spell, regardless of the mana cost. In D&D, a wizard can only copy spells of levels they have spell slots for.