Do Planeswalkers Enter with Counters?
Planeswalkers indeed enter the battlefield with counters, specifically with a number of loyalty counters equal to their printed loyalty number, due to an intrinsic ability. This means that when a planeswalker is played, it automatically starts with a set number of loyalty counters that are indicated on its card, which are crucial for its abilities and survivability.
Understanding Planeswalkers and Their Counters
Planeswalkers are a unique type of permanent in Magic: The Gathering, with their own set of rules and interactions. To delve deeper into how planeswalkers work with counters, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about their behavior and interactions within the game.
FAQs About Planeswalkers and Counters
1. Do 1/1 Counters Work on Planeswalkers?
-1/-1 counters do not affect loyalty but can be placed on planeswalkers, although they don’t have any effect in this context.
2. How Do +1/+1 Counters Work with Planeswalkers?
+1/+1 counters can be on non-creature permanents like planeswalkers but don’t provide any benefits unless the permanent becomes a creature.
3. What Happens When You Counter a Planeswalker?
Countering a planeswalker spell prevents it from entering the battlefield, sending it to the graveyard instead, unless the counterspell has an exception.
4. What Kills a Planeswalker?
Evasive creatures, overwhelming force, destroy target permanent spells, counter spells, and bounce spells can all potentially kill or remove a planeswalker from the game.
5. Can You Control 2 Planeswalkers at Once?
There’s no limit to the number of planeswalker permanents you can control, but you cannot control two planeswalkers with the same name.
6. Do Indestructible Planeswalkers Lose Counters?
Indestructible planeswalkers still lose loyalty counters when dealt damage and will be put into the graveyard if they have no loyalty counters left.
7. Can You Proliferate Planeswalkers?
Yes, you can use proliferate to add counters to your planeswalkers, increasing their loyalty.
8. Does Vorinclex Make Planeswalkers Enter with Double Counters?
Vorinclex causes your planeswalkers to enter with twice as many counters and affects +N loyalty abilities, doubling the counters added.
9. Can Planeswalkers Act on the First Turn?
Yes, planeswalkers can act on the first turn, but their abilities can only be activated at sorcery speed.
10. What Counts as a +1 Counter MTG?
A +1/+1 counter adds one to a creature’s power and toughness but has no effect on planeswalkers unless they become creatures.
11. Can Planeswalkers Have Shield Counters?
Planeswalkers can have shield counters, which can offer protection against certain types of damage or removal.
12. What is the Legend Rule for Planeswalkers?
The legend rule means you cannot control two or more legendary permanents with the same name, applying to planeswalkers as they are legendary.
13. Does Deathtouch Work on Planeswalkers?
Deathtouch does not work on planeswalkers because it only affects creatures, and planeswalkers are not creatures.
14. Can You Exile Planeswalkers?
You can exile planeswalkers, but doing so after they have used an ability will not prevent that ability from resolving.
15. Can You Lightning Bolt Planeswalkers?
Yes, you can target planeswalkers with Lightning Bolt or similar spells to deal them damage and remove loyalty counters.
By understanding these rules and interactions, players can better navigate the complexities of planeswalkers and their counters, enhancing their overall Magic: The Gathering experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new player, mastering planeswalkers can significantly impact your gameplay strategy and success.