Do Copies in MTG Keep Counters? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is usually no. In Magic: The Gathering, a copy of a permanent generally does not retain any counters that were on the original permanent. When you create a copy, you get a fresh version based on what’s printed on the card (or what the effect creating the copy specifies). However, there are some notable exceptions and nuances to this rule that every MTG player should understand. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
Understanding Copies and Counters
The core principle is this: a copy is a new object. It enters the battlefield with the characteristics defined by the effect that created it, not the characteristics the original permanent had at the time the copy was made. This distinction is crucial for understanding why counters aren’t usually copied.
Think of it like photocopying a document. If the original document has coffee stains (like counters), the photocopy will be of the clean, original document, not the stained version. Similarly, in MTG, the copy is made from the “original” card state, ignoring any modifications made by counters, Auras, or Equipment.
However, the devil is in the details, and certain effects can explicitly copy counters, which we will discuss further below.
Exceptions to the Rule: Copying Counters Directly
While the general rule holds true, there are exceptions where copies do inherit counters. These exceptions arise from specific card abilities that explicitly instruct you to copy counters.
For example, some cards allow you to create a token that’s a copy of a permanent and specify that the copy enters the battlefield with the same number and type of counters as the original. These are the key words to look out for: the ability must state that the copy retains counters for it to do so. Otherwise, the default rule of not copying counters applies.
Copy Effects and Layers
Understanding the concept of layers in Magic: The Gathering helps explain why copies generally don’t keep counters. Layers determine the order in which different effects apply to a permanent. Copy effects are applied in layer one, which is before counters, which are applied in layer five (or seven, in the case of P/T modifying counters).
This means that when a permanent is copied, the copy effect looks at the original permanent’s base characteristics (name, mana cost, types, subtypes, abilities) and then applies any copy effects. Only after this initial copying process are counters considered. Since the copy effect doesn’t inherently copy counters, they aren’t transferred to the new copy.
Practical Examples
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate these concepts:
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Example 1: Proliferate and Copies: Imagine you have a creature with three +1/+1 counters on it. You then cast a spell that creates a token that is a copy of that creature. The token copy will enter the battlefield without the three +1/+1 counters. You could then use Proliferate on both the original creature and the copy to add additional counters.
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Example 2: Copying with Counters: Now, imagine you have a card that specifically states “Create a token that’s a copy of target creature, except it enters the battlefield with the same number of +1/+1 counters on it as that creature.” In this case, the token copy will have the three +1/+1 counters that were on the original creature.
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Example 3: Clone: The classic card Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield. It copies the characteristics of the target creature as printed on the card or as modified by other copy effects. It does not copy any counters that might be present on the target creature.
Implications for Deckbuilding and Gameplay
Understanding this interaction is crucial for strategic deckbuilding and gameplay. If your strategy relies heavily on counters, you need to be aware that simply copying a creature won’t necessarily replicate the counter advantage. You might need to include cards that explicitly copy counters or that can quickly add counters to the copies you create.
Conversely, if you’re playing against a deck that heavily relies on counters, copying their creatures might be a viable strategy to get a powerful creature without the accumulated bonuses. This is especially relevant in formats like Commander, where powerful creatures with lots of counters are common.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding copies and counters in MTG:
1. Does Lazav, the Multifarious copy counters when it becomes a copy of another creature?
No. Lazav, the Multifarious copies the card’s printed characteristics or as modified by previous copy effects, but not any counters on that card.
2. If I copy a creature with a charge counter on it using Clone, does the Clone also have a charge counter?
No. Clone copies the base characteristics of the creature it is copying, ignoring any counters. The Clone will enter the battlefield as a creature without a charge counter.
3. What happens if I copy a planeswalker with loyalty counters using a card that creates a token copy?
The token copy of the planeswalker will not have any loyalty counters unless the effect creating the copy specifically states that it does. Planeswalkers enter the battlefield with a number of loyalty counters equal to the number printed on the card, not the number of loyalty counters the original planeswalker has.
4. If a creature has an Aura attached to it that adds counters, does copying the creature also copy the Aura and its effect?
No. Copying a creature only copies the creature itself. Auras attached to the original creature are not copied. Therefore, the copy will not receive any counters from the Aura.
5. Can I use proliferate to add counters to a copy of a creature if the original creature had counters?
Yes, you can use Proliferate to add counters to a copy of a creature, but the copy must already have at least one counter of some kind on it for Proliferate to have any effect. The copy’s original not having any counters doesn’t affect Proliferate’s ability to add them later.
6. If I copy a creature with a +1/+1 counter and then remove the original creature, does the copy lose power and toughness?
No. The copy never had the +1/+1 counter in the first place. Removing the original creature does not affect the copy.
7. Does Deepglow Skate affect copies of creatures?
Yes. Deepglow Skate doubles the number of each kind of counter on each permanent you control. This includes any copies of creatures you control, regardless of whether they originally had counters or not.
8. If a creature is both a copy and has counters, how do layers affect its final characteristics?
Layer 1 determines the copy effect (setting the base characteristics), and Layer 5 (or 7, depending on the type of counter) adds or modifies power and toughness based on counters. Copy effects are always applied first, then counters.
9. What happens if I copy a creature that is currently being targeted by a spell?
The copy is a new object and is not affected by any spells or abilities targeting the original creature. The copy will not be targeted by the spell.
10. Does a permanent copied by a face-down permanent retain the counters of the original card when it is turned face up?
No, when a face-down permanent (such as one created by Manifest) is turned face up, it enters the battlefield as the original card, but it does not gain any counters that were on the manifested card previously. The manifested card loses all counters when turned face down.
11. If I copy a commander with counters on it, does the copy also count towards the commander damage total?
No. While the copy will have the name and creature type of your commander, it’s a separate permanent. Damage dealt by the copy does not contribute to the commander damage total.
12. Does adding or removing counters from the original creature affect the copy after it has been created?
No. Once the copy has been created, it is an independent permanent. Any changes to the original creature, including adding or removing counters, do not affect the copy.
13. Are there any cards that copy a creature and transfer the “counter ability” to the new permanent?
While there are no cards that directly copy a creature and its counter-related abilities in the way you might be thinking, some cards can indirectly achieve a similar effect. For example, cards that grant creatures the same triggered abilities as another creature might allow the new creature to interact with counters in a similar way. However, this is dependent on the specific triggered ability and not a general “counter ability” transfer.
14. If I copy a creature enchanted with an Aura that places a +1/+1 counter on the enchanted creature, does the copy get a +1/+1 counter?
No. Auras are not copied alongside the creature. The Aura remains attached to the original creature, granting it the +1/+1 counter, but the copy enters the battlefield without any Auras or counters unless the copy effect specifically says otherwise.
15. Is there any functional difference between a “token that is a copy” and a copy made by a card like Clone regarding counters?
Generally, no. Both tokens that are copies and copies made by cards like Clone follow the same fundamental rule: they copy the printed characteristics of the original permanent (or as modified by copy effects) but do not inherit any counters unless explicitly stated by the effect creating the copy. The origin (token versus non-token) is irrelevant to how counters are handled during the copy process.
Conclusion
Understanding the interaction between copies and counters is essential for mastering Magic: The Gathering. While the general rule states that copies do not retain counters, knowing the exceptions and nuances allows you to make informed decisions during deckbuilding and gameplay. Remember to read card abilities carefully and consider the implications of layers when dealing with copy effects and counters. With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate complex scenarios and make strategic plays that can swing the game in your favor.