Does a Planeswalker Count as a Nonland Permanent?
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A planeswalker indeed counts as a nonland permanent because it is a type of permanent that is not a land, and it remains on the battlefield until it is destroyed, exiled, or otherwise removed according to the game rules. This classification is crucial in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) as it influences how planeswalkers interact with other cards and abilities, such as being targetable by spells and abilities that affect nonland permanents.
Understanding Permanents in MTG
To delve deeper into the role and characteristics of planeswalkers as nonland permanents, it’s essential to understand what permanents are in the context of MTG. Permanents include creatures, lands, enchantments, artifacts, and planeswalkers, which all remain on the battlefield after they are played, unlike instants and sorceries that resolve immediately and then go to the graveyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Counts as a Nonland Permanent?
Anything on the battlefield that is not a land is considered a nonland permanent. This includes creatures, enchantments, artifacts, and planeswalkers.
2. Do Planeswalkers Count as Target Permanents?
Yes, planeswalkers can be targeted by effects that say “target permanent” because they are a type of permanent.
3. What is Not a Permanent in MTG?
Instants and sorceries are not permanents because they do not remain on the battlefield after they resolve.
4. Can You Have 2 Planeswalkers Out at the Same Time?
Yes, you can have multiple planeswalkers on the battlefield at the same time, but you cannot have multiple copies of the same planeswalker due to the legend rule.
5. Is a Token Considered a Permanent?
Yes, a token is a type of permanent that is not represented by a regular card and is created by the effects of spells and abilities.
6. Is a Sorcery a Permanent?
No, a sorcery is not a permanent because it does not stay on the battlefield after it resolves.
7. Is an Emblem a Permanent MTG?
No, an emblem is not a permanent and cannot be targeted or removed by any effects.
8. Do Planeswalkers Count as Players?
No, planeswalkers are not considered players; they are permanents that can be attacked and damaged.
9. Can You Blink a Planeswalker and Activate it Again?
Yes, you can blink a planeswalker (remove it from the game temporarily and then return it) and activate its abilities again in the same turn.
10. Are Planeswalkers Still Immortal?
No, after the Mending, planeswalkers lost their immortality and can be killed or destroyed.
11. Can You Put -1/-1 Counters on Planeswalkers?
While -1/-1 counters do not affect planeswalkers‘ loyalty, you can put them on planeswalkers that have become creatures.
12. Does Deathtouch Work on Planeswalkers?
No, deathtouch does not work on planeswalkers because it only affects creatures.
13. Can You Shock a Planeswalker?
You cannot target a planeswalker directly with a Shock, but you can deal damage to it if the Shock is targeted at the player controlling the planeswalker.
14. Can You Exile Planeswalkers?
Yes, planeswalkers can be exiled, but doing so after they have activated an ability will not prevent that ability from resolving.
15. Can Life Go Below 0 MTG?
Yes, a player‘s life total can go below 0, but having 0 or less life usually results in losing the game as a state-based action.