Spark Double: Mastering the Art of Copying and ETB Effects in Magic: The Gathering
Yes, Spark Double does trigger enters-the-battlefield (ETB) effects when it copies a creature with such abilities. This is because Spark Double’s copy ability functions as a replacement effect, altering how it enters the battlefield rather than being an ability that triggers after it’s already on the battlefield.
Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of Spark Double, how it interacts with other cards and abilities, and address some common misconceptions. This versatile card can be a powerhouse in various strategies, but understanding its mechanics is crucial for maximizing its potential.
Understanding Spark Double’s Copy Ability
The key to understanding how Spark Double interacts with ETB effects lies in recognizing that it never truly “enters” as a Spark Double. Instead, it enters the battlefield directly as a copy of another creature or planeswalker. The game never sees the “base” Spark Double before the copy effect takes place. This is a crucial distinction.
Think of it like this: you’re using a special cloning device that instantly transforms Spark Double into the chosen permanent as it arrives. Because it enters as the copied permanent, any ETB abilities that permanent possesses will trigger as normal. The trigger will then be placed on the stack as per normal rules.
Spark Double and Planeswalkers
While Spark Double is primarily used to copy creatures and trigger their ETB abilities, it can also copy planeswalkers. However, there are a few important differences to keep in mind:
- Legendary Planeswalker Rule: If you copy your own legendary planeswalker with Spark Double, you will immediately have to choose one to keep and put the other into the graveyard due to the legend rule. This state-based action is checked immediately, so you don’t get any extra activations.
- Not a Creature: When Spark Double copies a planeswalker, it does not remain a creature. It becomes solely a planeswalker. This is important if you were hoping to use it to trigger abilities that require a creature entering the battlefield.
The Power of Copying Legendary Creatures
Spark Double’s ability to copy legendary creatures opens up a variety of strategic options. You can copy an opponent’s powerful legendary creature for your own benefit, or you can duplicate your own to gain extra value. The copy would enter as the same name, so if you control a permanent with the same name it would immediately be placed into the graveyard due to the legend rule.
However, remember the legend rule. If you copy your own legendary creature, you’ll need to sacrifice one of them to the graveyard unless you have a card like Mirror Gallery in play, which removes the legend rule entirely.
FAQs: Mastering Spark Double
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Spark Double and its interactions with other cards and game mechanics:
1. Does Spark Double target?
Spark Double does not target when you cast it. The choice of what it will copy is made as it enters the battlefield. This means it can copy creatures with hexproof or shroud, which cannot be targeted by spells or abilities.
2. What happens if I copy Spark Double?
If you copy a vanilla Spark Double, the new copy will enter as a copy of the vanilla Spark Double. The +1/+1 counter that Spark Double receives as part of its text will apply. If you apply another copy effect later on, that new copy effect will take precedence.
3. Can Phantasmal Image copy Spark Double?
Yes, Phantasmal Image can copy Spark Double. As Phantasmal Image enters the battlefield, you can choose to have it enter as a copy of Spark Double. However, remember that Phantasmal Image is an Illusion, so it will be sacrificed if it becomes the target of a spell or ability. If the copied Spark Double also has the legendary supertype, the Legend rule will apply.
4. Can you choose the same target twice with abilities triggered by Spark Double?
The copied target’s ability functions as normal. The restrictions for that ability still apply. If the ability says “target creature”, a creature must be targeted. If the ability allows multiple targets, the same object or player can be chosen once for each instance of the word “target” (as long as it fits the targeting criteria).
5. Can you flicker a planeswalker copied by Spark Double and use it again?
Yes, you can flicker a planeswalker copied by Spark Double and use its abilities again that same turn. Once it leaves play, it’s considered a new object, allowing you to activate its loyalty abilities again. The abilities that can be activated are tied to the current permanent, not to the planeswalker being cast initially.
6. Does Cascade trigger when Spark Double copies a creature with Cascade?
No, Cascade is not an ETB ability. Cascade triggers when you cast the spell with Cascade, not when it enters the battlefield. Therefore, copying a creature with Cascade will not trigger Cascade.
7. Do ETB triggers happen before the legend rule is applied?
No, state-based actions, including the legend rule, are checked before ETB triggers go on the stack. This means you will have to sacrifice one of the legendary permanents before any ETB abilities can trigger.
8. Does Soulbond trigger when Spark Double copies a creature with Soulbond?
If Spark Double copies a creature with Soulbond as it enters the battlefield, the Soulbond ability will trigger. You can then pair the copied creature with another unpaired creature you control.
9. Why doesn’t Doubling Season double the loyalty counters when Spark Double copies a planeswalker?
Doubling Season only doubles the number of counters a permanent enters the battlefield with. When Spark Double copies a planeswalker, it enters the battlefield with the default number of loyalty counters specified on the planeswalker card. If you later activate an ability that puts loyalty counters on the planeswalker, Doubling Season will not double the counters added in that way.
10. Can a planeswalker lose their spark if copied by Spark Double?
The flavor question of whether a planeswalker’s spark can be lost is not relevant to Spark Double’s mechanics. Spark Double copies the card as it exists on the battlefield.
11. What is the rule 114.5 in Magic The Gathering, and how does it relate to Spark Double?
Rule 114.5 states that spells and abilities that can have zero or more targets are targeted only if one or more targets have been chosen for them. This rule is more relevant to spells that allow you to choose whether or not to target something. It doesn’t directly affect Spark Double, since Spark Double itself does not target.
12. Does Mirage Mirror become a creature if it copies a Spark Double copying a creature?
Yes. Mirage Mirror will become whatever Spark Double is currently copying. If Spark Double is copying a creature, Mirage Mirror will also become a copy of that creature.
13. Can any legendary creature have a background if it’s copied by Spark Double?
The “Choose a Background” ability only applies to specific monocolored legendary creatures (and the Faceless One). Spark Double copying such a creature doesn’t grant it the ability to choose a background unless the original creature already had that ability. The Spark Double is already on the battlefield, and the Background needs to be chosen as the creature is cast.
14. Can you copy Fling targeting the sacrificed creature with Spark Double?
Spark Double cannot copy spells. Spells are on the stack, permanents are on the battlefield. Fling is a spell that is played by sacrificing a creature, and then resolves. Spark Double is a permanent that enters the battlefield.
15. Can Phantasmal Image copy a creature with shroud if Spark Double is involved?
If Phantasmal Image copies a creature with shroud, Phantasmal Image will also have shroud. This means it cannot be the target of spells or abilities. The Spark Double would copy the final result after the application. If the copy became a creature with Shroud, it would also have Shroud.
Conclusion: Mastering the Double
Spark Double is a potent card that offers incredible flexibility and value in Magic: The Gathering. Understanding its mechanics and how it interacts with various abilities is essential for maximizing its potential. By mastering the art of copying, you can unlock powerful synergies and strategies that will give you a significant edge in your games.
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