Does Hardened Scales Double Counters?

The answer to the question Does Hardened Scales double counters? is no, Hardened Scales does not double counters, but rather, it triggers when one or more +1/+1 counters would be placed on a creature you control, adding one extra counter for each Hardened Scales you control. This means that if you have two Hardened Scales and a creature would get one +1/+1 counter, it will end up with three +1/+1 counters, thanks to the additional counters added by Hardened Scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is Hardened Scales?: Hardened Scales is a card that utilizes replacement effects to increase creature size to lethal proportions, all at instant speed, making it a powerful tool in decks that focus on +1/+1 counters.
2. How does Hardened Scales work?: Hardened Scales works by adding an extra +1/+1 counter to a creature for each Hardened Scales you control whenever one or more +1/+1 counters would be placed on that creature, allowing for significant growth with multiple Hardened Scales.
3. Does doubling counters trigger Hardened Scales?: Yes, doubling counters does trigger Hardened Scales, as when the number of +1/+1 counters on a creature is doubled, Hardened Scales adds its effect, further increasing the number of +1/+1 counters.
4. How does Hardened Scales stack?: Hardened Scales stacks by adding one extra +1/+1 counter for each Hardened Scales you control, meaning if you have two Hardened Scales, one +1/+1 counter becomes three +1/+1 counters.

Counter Interactions

5. What counts as putting counters on a creature?: Any effect that results in +1/+1 counters being added to a creature counts, including doubling counters and entering the battlefield with counters.
6. Does entering the battlefield with counters count as putting counters on?: Yes, when a creature enters the battlefield with counters, it counts as putting those counters on it, triggering Hardened Scales.
7. Do +1 counters cancel out -1/-1 counters?: Yes, +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters cancel each other out, one-for-one, whenever a player would receive priority.

Strategic Use

8. Why is Hardened Scales good?: Hardened Scales is good because it allows for the rapid growth of creatures at instant speed, enabling aggressive strategies and surprise attacks.
9. How do you use Hardened Scales in MTG?: Hardened Scales is used by including it in decks that utilize +1/+1 counters and aiming to grow creatures quickly to lethal sizes.
10. Does Hardened Scales work with modular?: Yes, Hardened Scales works with modular creatures, adding extra +1/+1 counters when they enter the battlefield and when their modular ability triggers.

Rules and Interactions

11. Does Hardened Scales trigger when moving counters?: Yes, Hardened Scales triggers off moving +1/+1 counters, as per the official rules.
12. How does 2 Hardened Scales work?: Two Hardened Scales result in two extra +1/+1 counters when one would be added, making one +1/+1 counter become three.
13. Does Hardened Scales use the stack?: Hardened Scales is a replacement effect, which means it replaces the original event of adding a +1/+1 counter with adding more +1/+1 counters, but it does interact with the stack in terms of when it applies its effect.

Miscellaneous

14. Are indestructible counters permanent?: Indestructible permanents, including those with +1/+1 counters, can’t be destroyed by rules or effects, but the +1/+1 counters themselves can still be removed.
15. Do keywords count as counters?: No, keywords themselves do not count as counters, but keyword counters can be used to represent the presence of certain keywords on a creature, such as flying or deathtouch.