Do Copies Trigger ETB? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, copies typically trigger Enter-the-Battlefield (ETB) effects. When a permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of another permanent, the game “sees” a new permanent entering the battlefield, thus triggering any relevant ETB abilities. There are, however, nuances and exceptions, which we will explore in detail. Understanding these interactions is crucial for mastering complex Magic: The Gathering strategies.
Understanding ETB Effects and Copy Effects
What are ETB Effects?
Enter-the-Battlefield (ETB) effects are triggered abilities that activate when a permanent enters the battlefield. These abilities are written using the phrase “When [this permanent] enters the battlefield,” or sometimes “As [this permanent] enters the battlefield.” They are a powerful mechanic, allowing you to gain immediate value from your permanents.
What are Copy Effects?
Copy effects allow a permanent to enter the battlefield as a copy of another permanent. These effects are often found on cards like Clone, Glasspool Mimic, and activated abilities like Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker. The copy generally duplicates all copiable values of the original permanent.
How Do Copies Interact with ETB Effects?
When a permanent enters the battlefield as a copy, it is treated as a new permanent entering the battlefield. Consequently, any ETB triggered abilities associated with the copied permanent will trigger. This includes abilities that trigger “when” or “as” the permanent enters the battlefield. The game “sees” a new permanent entering, regardless of whether it’s a token or a non-token copy.
Nuances and Exceptions
While copies generally trigger ETB effects, there are some situations where this might not be the case or where the interaction requires further clarification:
- Abilities that Replace ETB Events: If the copied permanent has abilities that modify how it enters the battlefield (e.g., “enters the battlefield with X counters”), those replacement effects will apply to the copy.
- Casting Costs and Conditions: If an ability is contingent on how the original permanent was cast (e.g., a creature with kicker), the copy will not typically fulfill that condition, as it wasn’t cast.
- The Legend Rule: If you copy a legendary permanent you already control, the Legend Rule (704.5j) comes into effect. This is a state-based action that forces you to choose one of the legendary permanents to keep and put the others into the graveyard before any ETB triggers go on the stack.
- Phasing: If a permanent phases out and then phases back in, it does not trigger ETB effects because it did not change zones.
State-Based Actions and ETB Triggers
It’s essential to understand the timing of state-based actions (SBAs) relative to triggered abilities. State-based actions are checked before a player gains priority, which means they are checked before triggered abilities are put on the stack. This is particularly relevant to the Legend Rule.
- Rule 117.5. Each time a player would get priority, the game first performs all applicable state-based actions as a single event (see rule 704, “State-Based Actions”), then repeats this process until no state-based actions are performed.
- Rule 704.5j. If two or more legendary permanents with the same name are controlled by the same player, that player chooses one of them, and the rest are put into their owners’ graveyards. This is called the “legend rule.”
FAQs: Copies and ETB Effects
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the interaction between copies and ETB effects:
1. Do token copies get ETB triggers?
Yes, token copies trigger ETB effects just like non-token copies. The game treats them as new permanents entering the battlefield.
2. Do clones get ETB MTG?
Yes, clones trigger ETB effects. When a clone enters the battlefield as a copy of another creature with an ETB trigger, the clone’s ETB trigger will go on the stack.
3. Do copies of Legendaries trigger ETB?
Yes, but with a critical caveat: the Legend Rule is a state-based action checked before triggers are put on the stack. You must sacrifice all but one of the legendary copies before any ETB triggers can be placed on the stack.
4. Does the Legend Rule stop ETBs?
The Legend Rule doesn’t stop ETBs from triggering, but it does determine which legendary permanent, if any, survives to have its ETB ability placed on the stack. You will have to choose the legendary permanent before the ETB ability goes on the stack.
5. Does Glasspool Mimic copy ETB?
Yes, Glasspool Mimic will copy the ETB abilities of the creature it copies. It enters the battlefield as a copy, triggering those abilities.
6. Does copying count as casting?
No, copying a spell or permanent is not casting. Rule 706.10 clarifies that a copy is placed directly onto the stack or battlefield without being cast.
7. Do copies have mana value?
Yes, copies retain the mana value of the original card. If the mana cost can be copied, the mana value is copied as well. If the mana value cannot be copied, the copy has a mana value of 0.
8. Does phasing affect ETB?
No, phasing does not trigger ETB or LTB (Leave the Battlefield) effects. When a permanent phases out and back in, it doesn’t change zones, so no triggers occur.
9. Does blinking trigger ETB effects?
Yes, blinking (exiling and returning a permanent to the battlefield) does trigger ETB effects because the permanent leaves the battlefield and then re-enters.
10. Do myriad tokens trigger ETB?
Yes, Myriad tokens trigger ETB abilities on the creature with myriad. Each token copy entering the battlefield triggers the ETB effect separately.
11. What happens when you copy a legendary?
When you copy a legendary creature, the Legend Rule forces you to sacrifice all but one of them before ETB triggers are put on the stack. The remaining copy’s ETB will then trigger.
12. What cards ignore the Legend Rule?
Cards like Mirror Gallery, Mirror Box, and Sakashima of a Thousand Faces can circumvent the Legend Rule entirely. Other cards, such as Cadric, Soul Kindler and The Master, Multiplied, cancel the rule for tokens you control.
13. What is the rule 704.5 J?
Rule 704.5j is the Legend Rule: “If two or more legendary permanents with the same name are controlled by the same player, that player chooses one of them, and the rest are put into their owners’ graveyards.”
14. Can you have 2 legendary creatures on the field?
You can have two legendary creatures on the field if they do not have the same name or if an effect like Mirror Gallery is in play.
15. Does Kiki JIKI trigger ETB effects?
Yes, Kiki-Jiki’s ability creates a token copy of a creature, and that token copy entering the battlefield triggers any relevant ETB effects.
Conclusion
Understanding how copies interact with ETB effects is essential for any Magic: The Gathering player looking to optimize their strategies. While copies generally trigger ETB abilities, factors like the Legend Rule, replacement effects, and casting conditions can significantly alter these interactions. By mastering these nuances, you can gain a competitive edge and make more informed decisions during gameplay. For more in-depth exploration of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.