Do 1 /+ 1 counters cancel out magic?

Yes, +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters do indeed cancel each other out in Magic: The Gathering, as a state-based action, where the number of counters removed is equal to the smaller number of counters of either type present on the creature. This means that if a creature has both +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters, they will remove each other in matched pairs until only one or the other remains, affecting the creature’s power and toughness.

Understanding +1/+1 Counters

What are +1/+1 Counters?

A +1/+1 counter on a creature adds one to its power and toughness, making it stronger and more resilient. These counters have been a staple in Magic: The Gathering since its early days, with many popular creatures utilizing them to great effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do +1 and -1 counters cancel out in MTG?: Yes, they cancel out one-for-one, but if putting one or more -1/-1 counters on a creature causes it to die, that happens before the +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters cancel out.
2. Does a +1 counter negate a -1 counter in MTG?: Yes, +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters remove each other as a state-based action.
3. How do +1 counters work in Magic?: A +1/+1 counter on a creature adds one to its power and toughness, making it stronger.
4. Do +1/+1 counters count as power in MTG?: Yes, +1/+1 counters add to a creature’s power and toughness.
5. Can a land have +1/+1 counters in MTG?: Yes, a land can have +1/+1 counters on it, but they won’t have any effect unless the land becomes a creature.
6. Do counters count as damage in MTG?: No, putting a counter on a creature is not a form of damage.
7. Can a counter counter itself in Magic?: No, a spell or ability cannot target itself.
8. What is the difference between +1/+1 counters and effects that give +1/+1 in MTG?: +1/+1 counters are physical markers that can be added or removed, while effects that give +1/+1 are separate from the creature and go away when the effect ends.
9. Does Deathtouch give poison counters in MTG?: Yes, whenever a creature with Deathtouch deals combat damage to a player, that player gets two poison counters.
10. What creatures remove +1/+1 counters in MTG?: Certain creatures, like Ingenious Prodigy, have abilities that allow them to remove +1/+1 counters from themselves.
11. How does countering work in MTG?: To counter a spell or ability means to cancel it, removing it from the stack and preventing its effects from occurring.
12. What counts as removal in MTG?: Removal refers to spells or abilities that permanently remove permanents from the game, either by putting them in the graveyard or exiling them.
13. Can you win turn 1 in MTG?: Yes, some combo decks can win the game as soon as their first turn begins.
14. Can you counterspell a counter in MTG?: You can’t counter a Counterspell on your own turn by using your reaction to cast another Counterspell.
15. What is the +1/+1 counter rule in MTG?: When both +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters are present on the same creature, they are immediately removed in matched pairs until only one or the other remains.