Does Phasing In Count as Entering the Battlefield?

No, phasing in does not count as entering the battlefield. While a permanent reappears on the battlefield when it phases in, it’s crucial to understand that it never actually left. The permanent essentially exists in a sort of “limbo,” still present on the battlefield but treated as though it doesn’t exist. Because of this, abilities that trigger when a permanent enters the battlefield (ETB effects) are not activated by phasing in. Similarly, phasing out does not trigger leave the battlefield (LTB) effects. This is a core mechanic within the rules of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) and one that significantly impacts how certain cards and strategies play out.

Understanding Phasing

What Exactly is Phasing?

Phasing is a mechanic that causes a permanent to be treated as if it doesn’t exist. When a permanent phases out, it, along with any Auras or Equipment attached to it, effectively vanishes until its controller’s next untap step. At that time, it phases back in. Importantly, the permanent remains on the battlefield during this process. It’s not exiled, destroyed, or put into any other zone. It’s merely ignored by the game rules.

Why Phasing Doesn’t Trigger ETB or LTB Effects

The key to understanding why phasing doesn’t trigger ETB or LTB effects lies in the concept of zone changes. Entering the battlefield and leaving the battlefield are defined by a permanent physically moving from one zone (hand, graveyard, exile, etc.) to the battlefield or vice versa. Phasing doesn’t involve any such movement. The permanent is continuously on the battlefield; it simply becomes “invisible” for a period of time.

Practical Implications of Phasing

Knowing that phasing doesn’t trigger ETB or LTB effects has significant implications for deck building and gameplay. For example, if you control a creature with an ETB ability like “When this creature enters the battlefield, draw a card,” phasing that creature out and back in won’t allow you to draw another card. This also means that abilities that trigger when permanents leave the battlefield, such as those that create tokens upon a creature’s death, will not be triggered when a creature phases out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phasing

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of phasing:

1. If a token phases out, what happens? A token that’s phased out ceases to exist. This is because tokens can only exist on the battlefield. When a token phases out, it’s sent to a zone other than the battlefield (essentially, it’s not “on” the battlefield anymore, even if it’s still technically there), and state-based actions cause it to disappear.

2. Do I still control a phased-out permanent? Yes, you still control a phased-out permanent. Control of the permanent reverts to its default controller, which is usually the player who put it onto the battlefield. This is crucial for when it phases back in.

3. Can a phased-out creature be targeted by spells or abilities? No. A phased-out permanent is treated as though it doesn’t exist. Therefore, it cannot be targeted by spells or abilities.

4. Does phasing remove counters from a permanent? No, counters remain on a permanent that phases out. When it phases back in, the counters will still be there.

5. What happens to Auras and Equipment attached to a permanent that phases out? Auras and Equipment attached to a permanent phase out along with it. They all phase back in together during the controller’s untap step.

6. Can I sacrifice a phased-out creature? No, you cannot sacrifice a phased-out creature. Because it’s treated as if it doesn’t exist, it can’t be the target of a sacrifice effect.

7. If my Commander phases out, does it go to the Command Zone? No. Your commander only goes to the command zone at the moment it would change zones. Since phasing is not a zone change, you cannot move your commander to the command zone.

8. Does phasing affect summoning sickness? Phasing doesn’t affect summoning sickness. When a creature phases back in, it doesn’t regain summoning sickness if it already had it.

9. If a creature phases out during combat, what happens to it? If a creature that is attacking or blocking phases out, it is removed from combat. It will no longer be considered attacking or blocking.

10. Can I phase out a permanent in response to a removal spell? Yes, you can phase out a permanent in response to a removal spell. This will effectively “dodge” the removal spell, as the spell will no longer be able to target the permanent.

11. What happens if a permanent has an ability that triggers “at the beginning of your upkeep” and it’s phased out during your upkeep? The ability will not trigger. Since the permanent is treated as though it doesn’t exist during your upkeep, its triggered abilities won’t activate.

12. If I copy a permanent that is phased out, what happens? You can copy a phased-out permanent, but the copy will be a regular permanent on the battlefield. It will not be phased out itself unless the copy effect specifies that it should also be phased out.

13. Does phasing count as exile? No, phasing out is distinct from exiling. Exiling is a zone change.

14. What is the purpose of phasing as a mechanic? Phasing is primarily used as a protective or disruptive mechanic. It can protect your permanents from removal or temporarily disable your opponent’s permanents. As stated on the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org emphasizes the importance of understanding game mechanics to improve strategic decision-making.

15. Can a phased out creature be regenerated? A permanent that has phased out cannot be regenerated. Regeneration specifically replaces a card being destroyed, and a card that has phased out is not being destroyed.

Mastering the Art of Phasing

Understanding phasing is crucial for any serious MTG player. While it might seem complex at first, grasping the core principle that phasing is not a zone change clarifies its behavior. Knowing when and how to utilize phasing can give you a significant advantage in your games, allowing you to protect your valuable assets, disrupt your opponent’s strategies, and ultimately, emerge victorious.