Does Ghostly Flicker Dodge Removal? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Ghostly Flicker absolutely dodges removal, and it’s a cornerstone of many strategies in Magic: The Gathering (MTG). When you cast Ghostly Flicker on a creature or other permanent that’s targeted by a removal spell, you’re essentially giving it a temporary vacation. It leaves the battlefield, shrugs off the would-be assailant, and then returns as a shiny, new object, completely unaffected by the original targeting spell. Let’s delve into the mechanics and explore the nuances of this powerful interaction!
Understanding Flicker Effects
At its core, a flicker effect (also sometimes referred to as a “blink” effect) involves exiling a permanent and then immediately returning it to the battlefield. This simple action has profound implications, primarily because the returning permanent is treated as a brand new game object.
Why Flickering Dodges Removal
Think of it like this: imagine someone throws a pie at you. If you teleport to a different location before the pie hits, you’re safe. That’s essentially what flickering does to a card targeted by removal. The removal spell is aiming at the original permanent; once the permanent is exiled, the spell loses track of it. When the permanent returns, it’s a different permanent from the perspective of the game rules. The original removal spell, still trying to target the long-gone original, will fizzle (i.e., fail to resolve) because its target is no longer valid.
This dodging capability extends beyond simple targeted removal like Murder or Lightning Bolt. It can also work against abilities that target, such as a creature with a “fight” ability or an activated ability that requires a specific target.
Beyond Dodging: The Advantages of Flickering
While dodging removal is a major benefit, flickering effects offer several other strategic advantages:
- Resetting Counters: Any counters (e.g., +1/+1 counters, loyalty counters on planeswalkers) on the permanent are removed when it’s exiled. While sometimes a drawback, this can be useful for resetting cumulative upkeep costs or removing negative counters.
- Removing Auras and Equipment: Auras and equipment attached to the permanent fall off when it leaves the battlefield. This can be a way to get rid of an opponent’s aura or to move your own equipment to a more advantageous target.
- Triggering Enter-the-Battlefield (ETB) Effects: The permanent’s return to the battlefield triggers any ETB abilities it possesses. This is where Ghostly Flicker and similar spells truly shine, allowing you to repeatedly trigger powerful effects.
- Bypassing Summoning Sickness: While a flickered creature re-enters with summoning sickness, you can still use Ghostly Flicker on your opponent’s creatures to give them summoning sickness during your turn, potentially delaying their attacks.
- Protecting Against Board Wipes (Sort Of): While flickering doesn’t directly prevent a creature from being destroyed by a board wipe, it can buy you a turn of value. The creature will survive until the board wipe resolves, potentially allowing you to attack or use abilities before everything is wiped away.
Ghostly Flicker: A Deeper Dive
Ghostly Flicker is particularly interesting because it allows you to target two permanents (artifacts, creatures, or lands). This opens up even more strategic possibilities:
- Double Value: You can flicker two permanents with powerful ETB effects, doubling your value in a single spell.
- Mana Ramp: Flickering a land that produces multiple mana can give you a temporary mana boost.
- Disruption: You can flicker an opponent’s permanent to disrupt their strategy, removing their blockers or resetting their mana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does flickering remove summoning sickness?
Yes, a flickered creature re-enters the battlefield as a new object and is subject to summoning sickness again.
2. Does Ghostly Flicker need two targets?
Yes, Ghostly Flicker requires two valid targets. These targets can be any combination of artifacts, creatures, and/or lands.
3. Can I target the same permanent twice with Ghostly Flicker?
No, you cannot target the same permanent twice with Ghostly Flicker. The spell requires two distinct targets.
4. If I flicker a creature with auras and equipment, where do the auras and equipment go?
The auras are put into their owner’s graveyard. The equipment remain on the battlefield unattached.
5. Does phasing trigger ETB (Enter the Battlefield) effects like flickering does?
No, phasing does not trigger ETB effects. Phasing in and out does not cause a permanent to leave or enter the battlefield.
6. How does flickering interact with persist and undying?
If a creature with persist or undying is flickered, it will return to the battlefield as a new object, without the persist or undying ability. If the creature were to die later, its respective ability will trigger.
7. Can I flicker a token creature?
Yes, you can flicker a token creature. However, when the token is exiled, it ceases to exist and will not return to the battlefield.
8. Does flickering remove +1/+1 counters?
Yes, flickering removes all counters, including +1/+1 counters.
9. What happens if my opponent tries to counter my Ghostly Flicker?
If your opponent counters your Ghostly Flicker, the spell is countered, and nothing happens. The targeted permanents remain on the battlefield.
10. Can I flicker an opponent’s land to deny them mana?
Yes, you can flicker an opponent’s land. This can disrupt their mana base, especially if they were relying on that land for a specific color or effect.
11. How does flickering interact with shroud and hexproof?
You cannot target a permanent with shroud or hexproof with Ghostly Flicker if your opponent controls that permanent. However, you can target your own permanents with shroud since these abilities only prevent opponents from targeting them.
12. Can flickering save a planeswalker from lethal damage?
No. Planeswalkers do not dodge being dealt lethal damage by flickering. When the planeswalker is dealt damage, the damage dealt remains on the planeswalker until it is removed from the battlefield, causing its death from lethal damage.
13. Can flickering reset a planeswalker’s loyalty counters?
Yes, flickering a planeswalker will reset its loyalty counters to its starting loyalty.
14. What are some cards that synergize well with Ghostly Flicker?
Cards with powerful ETB effects, such as Archaeomancer (for recurring spells), Mulldrifter (for card draw), or Restoration Angel (for added versatility), synergize extremely well with Ghostly Flicker.
15. Are there flicker effects that are instant speed and only target one permanent?
Yes! There are a variety of flicker effects such as Cloudshift, Eerie Interlude, and Essence Flux that can also dodge removal.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Flicker
Ghostly Flicker and other flicker effects are powerful tools in Magic: The Gathering, offering both defensive and offensive capabilities. They are a prime example of how understanding the game’s rules interactions can lead to strategic advantages and surprising plays. By mastering the art of the flicker, you can dodge removal, generate value, and control the battlefield with finesse.
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