Does Copying Count as Targeting MTG?
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Copying a spell or ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) does not count as targeting, as the copy is created on the stack without the need to identify a specific target using the phrase “target [something].” The copy of a spell or ability retains the characteristics and decisions made for the original, including modes, targets, the value of X, and additional or alternative costs, but it is not considered a targeted effect.
Understanding Targeting in MTG
Definition of Targeting
Targeting in MTG occurs when a spell or ability identifies a specific object or player it will affect, using the phrase “target [something].” This is a crucial distinction, as targeting can trigger various effects and interactions within the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What happens when you copy a creature in MTG? A: When you copy a creature, the copy retains the characteristics of the original creature, but it is not considered a target.
- Q: Does copying a spell trigger cascade? A: No, copying a spell with cascade does not trigger the cascade ability, as copying is not the same as casting.
- Q: Is casting the same as copying? A: No, casting and copying are distinct concepts in MTG; casting involves moving a card from one zone to the stack, while copying creates a copy of a spell or ability on the stack.
- Q: What counts as targeting in MTG? A: Targeting occurs when a spell or ability uses the phrase “target [something]” to identify a specific object or player.
- Q: Does equipping a creature target it? A: Yes, equipping a creature does target it, but equipping is not the same as casting a spell.
- Q: Can you have more than four copies of a card in a Magic deck? A: Generally, no, but there are exceptions, such as Persistent Petitioners.
- Q: Does putting a card into play count as casting? A: No, putting a card into play is not the same as casting; the card is not considered a spell, and it does not go through the stack.
- Q: Does copying a creature spell count as creating a token? A: A copy of a creature spell becomes a token as it resolves, but it is not considered “created” for the purposes of replacement effects or triggered abilities.
- Q: Does sacrificing a creature count as targeting? A: No, sacrificing a creature is not targeting, as it does not use the phrase “target [something]”.
- Q: What is the difference between target and targeted? A: Target audience refers to the intended recipients of a message or product, while targeted refers to something that has been specifically identified or aimed at.
- Q: How does storm work with copying? A: A copy of a spell with storm will have storm, but copying the spell will not trigger storm, as copying is not the same as casting.
- Q: Does copying a spell book destroy it? A: When copying a spell from a spell scroll, the spell scroll is destroyed, regardless of whether the copying is successful.
- Q: What is the rule 701.3 in Magic: The Gathering? A: Rule 701.3 refers to the process of attaching an Aura, Equipment, or Fortification to an object or player.
- Q: What is the rule 704.5g in Magic: The Gathering? A: Rule 704.5g states that if a creature has toughness greater than 0, has damage marked on it, and the total damage marked on it is greater than or equal to its toughness, that creature has been dealt lethal damage and is destroyed.
- Q: Does playing a card count as casting in MTG? A: Playing a card can include casting a spell, but casting never includes playing a land.