Decoding the Clone: Does Copying a Creature Trigger ETB Effects?
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The short answer is a resounding yes! When a creature enters the battlefield as a copy of another creature, its enters-the-battlefield (ETB) abilities will indeed trigger. This is because the game treats the act of becoming a copy as a creature entering the battlefield. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of this fascinating corner of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) rules.
Understanding Enter-the-Battlefield (ETB) Effects
Before we dissect the copying process, let’s solidify our understanding of ETB effects. These abilities trigger specifically when a permanent enters the battlefield. They’re indicated by phrases like “When [this permanent] enters the battlefield…” or “Whenever [this permanent] enters the battlefield…”. Examples abound in MTG, from the humble “enters the battlefield tapped” on a Stone Quarry to the game-changing ability of a Craterhoof Behemoth to give your creatures a massive power boost. The key is the act of entering the battlefield.
The Copycat’s Conundrum: How Copying Works
The concept of “copying” in MTG is vast and intricate, involving cards like Clone, Spark Double, Sakashima the Impostor, and many more. These cards allow you to create a new permanent that mirrors another. When a creature “enters the battlefield as a copy,” several things happen:
- The object entering the battlefield immediately becomes a copy. There’s no interim stage where it exists as something else before transforming.
- It inherits all copiable values of the original creature. This includes name, mana cost, color, card types, subtypes, abilities, and power/toughness.
- Any ETB triggered abilities on the copy will trigger. This is the crux of our discussion. Since the game recognizes the permanent entering the battlefield, any “when” or “whenever” ETB triggers will go onto the stack.
- Replacement effects that modify how the original creature enters the battlefield are also copied. Abilities like “enters the battlefield with…” will take effect on the copy.
Why ETB Effects Trigger on Copies
The comprehensive rules of MTG clearly state that an object that enters the battlefield “as a copy” becomes a copy as it enters the battlefield; it doesn’t enter the battlefield, and then become a copy of that permanent. This distinction is crucial. Because the game recognizes that a new object is entering the battlefield in its copied form, all relevant ETB triggers are activated. The ETB triggers go straight to the stack and will then resolve in the order they were put on the stack.
The Legend Rule and ETB Effects
A tricky situation arises when copying legendary creatures. If you copy your own legendary creature, you’ll immediately be subject to the Legend Rule. This state-based action forces you to choose one of the identical legendary creatures to keep and send the others to the graveyard. Importantly, the ETB triggers of the copies still go on the stack before the Legend Rule is applied. This means you can potentially benefit from the ETB abilities of the copies before sacrificing them.
Practical Examples
- You cast Clone targeting your opponent’s Grave Titan. Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of Grave Titan. Grave Titan’s ETB ability triggers, creating two 2/2 black Zombie creature tokens.
- You cast Spark Double targeting your Prime Speaker Zegana. Spark Double enters the battlefield as a copy of Prime Speaker Zegana and gets a +1/+1 counter. Prime Speaker Zegana’s ETB ability triggers, allowing you to draw cards equal to the copied Zegana’s power.
- You control a Sakashima the Impostor, which is a copy of your opponent’s Baleful Strix. Baleful Strix’s ETB ability triggers, and you draw a card, and your opponent loses one life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that will further clarify the interaction between copying creatures and ETB effects:
1. Does copying a spell count as ETB?
When the copy of a creature spell resolves, it will enter the battlefield as a creature, and its ETB abilities will trigger. The copy goes on the stack above the original and will resolve first.
2. Does populate trigger ETB effects?
Yes. Populate creates tokens that enter the battlefield. If those tokens are creatures with ETB abilities, those abilities will trigger.
3. Do clones get ETB effects in MTG?
Absolutely. Clones and other copy effects are designed to take advantage of ETB abilities.
4. If I copy a creature that has been under my control since my last turn, does the copy have summoning sickness?
Yes. Even though the original creature didn’t have summoning sickness, the newly created copy will have summoning sickness if you haven’t controlled it since the beginning of your most recent turn.
5. What happens if you copy a creature spell on the stack?
If you copy a creature spell on the stack, the copy goes on the stack above the original and will resolve first, creating a creature token with ETB triggers.
6. Does flipping a card count as ETB?
No, transforming or flipping a card does not trigger ETB effects. Only the initial act of entering the battlefield triggers those abilities.
7. Can you copy a creature with Hexproof?
Yes. Copy effects like Clone do not target the creature being copied. Therefore, hexproof, shroud, or protection abilities do not prevent you from copying a creature.
8. Can Double Major copy a creature on the battlefield?
Double Major creates a copy of a creature spell. When that copy resolves, it enters the battlefield as a token, triggering any ETB abilities.
9. Do ETB triggers happen before the Legend Rule applies?
Yes. The Legend Rule is a state-based action that is checked after ETB triggers have been placed on the stack.
10. Is Soulbond an ETB trigger?
While Soulbond is an ability that triggers when a creature enters the battlefield, it’s not an ETB ability of the creature with Soulbond. It is a triggered ability that happens upon a creature entering.
11. Can you make a copy of a legendary creature?
Yes, you can copy a legendary creature. However, the Legend Rule might force you to sacrifice one of the copies if you control multiple legendary permanents with the same name.
12. Do copies count as casts?
No. Copying a spell is distinct from casting a spell. Copy effects do not trigger abilities that are based on casting a spell.
13. Can you copy a Storm trigger?
A copy of a spell with Storm will have storm, but copying the spell will not make storm trigger. Storm only triggers when the Spell is cast.
14. Does Hexproof stop ETB triggers?
No, hexproof only prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. ETB triggers are not targeting the permanent.
15. Does Myriad trigger ETB effects?
Yes, Myriad creates copies of the creature that are put onto the battlefield attacking. This triggers any ETB abilities on the creature being copied.
Copying and ETB Effects: A Powerful Strategy
Understanding the interaction between copying and ETB effects opens up a wealth of strategic possibilities in MTG. Using copy effects to repeatedly trigger valuable ETB abilities can generate card advantage, ramp your mana base, control the board, or even close out the game. By mastering these interactions, you’ll gain a significant edge in your games.
Consider exploring further resources to deepen your knowledge of MTG strategies and rules. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers a wealth of information and community engagement for those passionate about games and learning. Dive deeper into the world of MTG and unlock your full potential!