Do Counters Stay on Equipment Creatures? A Deep Dive into MTG Mechanics
Yes, counters stay on equipment creatures. This fundamental aspect of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) can be confusing for new players, and even seasoned veterans may occasionally need a refresher. The core concept revolves around the distinction between counters and other temporary buffs provided by equipment or auras. Let’s break down this mechanic and explore its implications.
Understanding Counters vs. Temporary Effects
In MTG, counters are physical markers (often dice or tokens) placed on a permanent to represent a modification. These modifications can be positive, such as +1/+1 counters, or negative, like -1/-1 counters. The key is that these counters represent a permanent change to the card while they remain on it, unless otherwise specified.
Equipment and Auras, on the other hand, primarily provide temporary effects. These cards modify a creature’s power and toughness while they are attached. However, once the Equipment or Aura is removed, the added power and toughness go away, leaving the base creature alone. This is a critical difference:
- Counters persist: They remain on the creature even if the source that granted them is removed.
- Equipment and Aura effects are temporary: They vanish when the Equipment or Aura is no longer attached.
Equipment Creatures
The term “equipment creature” refers to a creature that has been equipped with an Equipment card. It doesn’t fundamentally change the rules about how counters interact. If an equipment grants a creature counters, those counters will remain even if the equipment is unattached. For example, if you have a creature with two +1/+1 counters on it and then attach an equipment that provides +2/+2, the creature has +2/+2 (until the equipment is removed) and two +1/+1 counters that will remain regardless of the equipment state.
Transformation and Counters
The same principles apply when a creature transforms. Transforming a permanent (flipping it to its other side) doesn’t affect any Equipment attached to that permanent, and equally importantly, it doesn’t remove any counters on it. The transformed card retains all of its counters, unless there is an effect in the game that is designed to remove those counters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify this complex mechanic, here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding counters, equipment, and their interplay:
1. Do equipment cards add counters?
No, equipment cards do not inherently add counters. They provide temporary bonuses to power and/or toughness. An equipment card will specifically state if it adds counters.
2. Do Auras add counters?
Similar to equipment, Auras typically do not add counters unless their card text explicitly states otherwise. They primarily grant a temporary buff while attached.
3. If an equipment creature is exiled, do the counters go away?
Yes. If a creature goes to the exile zone (or any zone other than the battlefield), all counters on it are removed. The counters simply cease to exist when the permanent changes zones.
4. Does “blinking” a creature remove counters?
Yes, “blinking” a creature, typically through exile and return mechanics, removes all counters and any equipment or auras attached to that creature upon return. This is because the creature becomes a new game object.
5. Does flickering remove equipment?
Yes, flickering a creature removes any equipment and auras attached to it and unattached equipment will remain on the battlefield. This is very similar to blinking and the permanent effectively leaves and returns.
6. Can I counter an equip ability?
No, you cannot generally counter an equip ability. However, you can counter the equipment spell itself when it’s initially cast from your hand. For abilities, you will need cards that stifle abilities.
7. Can you put counters on an artifact creature?
Yes. Counters can be placed on any creature, including artifact creatures, unless the card specifically says it cannot be done, or if they are unaffected by card effects.
8. Can -1/-1 counters destroy indestructible creatures?
Yes, -1/-1 counters can “destroy” indestructible creatures. Indestructible prevents destruction from damage and destroy effects. However, if a creature’s toughness is reduced to 0 or less due to -1/-1 counters, it is placed into the graveyard, without being destroyed.
9. Do +1/+1 counters remove -1/-1 counters?
Yes, +1/+1 counters cancel out -1/-1 counters on a one-to-one basis. They go on the creature, but if the -1/-1 counters cause the creature to die, that happens before the counters cancel out.
10. What happens if a commander goes to the hand?
If your commander would be put into your hand (or library, graveyard, or exile) from anywhere, you can choose to send it back to the command zone instead. If you do choose to cast it from the command zone it will cost an additional 2 mana.
11. Do counters remain when a card moves zones?
No, counters do not remain when a card moves from one zone to another (e.g., from the battlefield to exile). They simply cease to exist. The single exception to this rule is Commander Skullbriar, the Walking Grave, who can retain them through zone changes.
12. Can you proliferate experience counters?
Yes, you can proliferate experience counters which are attached to players, not permanents. This can be an effective strategy for some game plans.
13. If an effect says to “move” a counter, does it add counters?
Yes, moving a counter means removing the counter from the object it’s on and placing it on a second object. This counts as placing a counter on the second object.
14. Do copied creatures retain counters?
No, copied creatures do not copy counters. Only the base creature card itself is copied. Counters and equipment or auras are not copied along with it.
15. Does Master Chef put counters on creatures?
Yes, Master Chef has an ability which states: “Commander creatures you own have “This creature enters the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter on it” and “Other creatures you control enter the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter on them.” This ability provides extra +1/+1 counters.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between counters and the temporary effects provided by equipment and auras is crucial for effective MTG play. Counters remain on a creature unless it leaves the battlefield, while the power and toughness bonuses of equipment and auras are tied to their attachment to the creature. This distinction makes counters a powerful and essential mechanic for many MTG strategies. By mastering these principles, players can make informed decisions that can turn the tide of any match.