How Do Curses Work in Magic: The Gathering?
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In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Curses are a unique subtype of Aura enchantments that specifically target and affect players. Unlike most auras which enchant permanents on the battlefield, curses are designed to directly impact an opponent’s actions and resources, typically causing detrimental effects. They’re a form of persistent, ongoing harm that requires direct interaction to remove, making them a distinct and often frustrating mechanic to face. At their core, curses act as persistent debuffs placed on a chosen opponent. These debuffs can range from simple life loss to complex restrictions on card draw, casting, or creature combat.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Curses
Curses as Aura Spells
Curses, being auras, follow the fundamental rules for aura spells in MTG. This means:
- They Target: When you cast a curse spell, you must target a player. This is crucial because it makes them vulnerable to effects that manipulate targets, like Grip of Chaos.
- They Attach: Upon resolution, the curse enters the battlefield and is attached to the targeted player, not a permanent on the battlefield.
- They Stay on the Battlefield: Once attached, curses remain on the battlefield and continue to have their effects on the enchanted player until removed.
- They are Controlled by the Caster: Importantly, despite being attached to a player, you, as the caster, control the curse. This means you are responsible for any abilities the curse might have that benefit its controller.
The Effects of Curses
The effects of curses are as varied as the colors of mana themselves. Some of the common effects include:
- Life Loss: Many curses drain life, either directly or based on actions the cursed player takes.
- Card Discard/Draw Penalties: These curses force players to discard cards or limit their card drawing abilities.
- Resource Restriction: Curses can tax mana costs, prevent certain spells from being cast, or restrict mana generation.
- Combat Penalties: Some curses affect combat by preventing creatures from attacking or causing damage to the cursed player upon being attacked.
- Specific Triggers: Curses often have triggered abilities that activate when specific actions occur, like casting spells or activating abilities.
Removal of Curses
As with all auras, removing a curse requires specific methods:
- Destroying the Aura: You can destroy a curse using cards that specifically target enchantments, such as Disenchant or Naturalize.
- Protection from the Color: If the cursed player gains protection from the curse’s color, the curse will be put into its owner’s graveyard.
- Leaving the Battlefield: If the curse somehow becomes unattached, it will be put into its owner’s graveyard, as it is no longer enchanting anything.
- Effects that remove Auras: Some cards have effects that specifically remove auras, which can be used to get rid of a curse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Curses in MTG
1. Do Curses target players?
Yes, absolutely. As Aura spells, Curses target a player upon being cast, as defined by their enchant ability.
2. Does Grip of Chaos affect curse spells?
Yes, if you cast a curse while Grip of Chaos is on the battlefield, the target of the curse might change randomly to another player, since the curse is a spell targeting a player.
3. Who controls a Curse in MTG once it’s attached to a player?
You, the player who cast the curse, control it, even while it’s attached to an opponent. This is true of all auras you play.
4. Can I curse myself?
Yes, you can. Certain curses have enchant player as their targeting ability, like Fraying Sanity, and therefore, you can choose any player, including yourself, as the target of the curse spell and the curse can enchant any player, including its controller, while it’s on the battlefield.
5. Can you stack curses on a single player?
Yes, you can enchant a single player with multiple curses at the same time. The effects of those curses will all apply to that player.
6. Can curses be removed from the battlefield?
Yes, curses, like any other Aura, can be removed from the battlefield through effects that destroy enchantments, through protection effects if the enchanted player gains protection from the curse’s color, or if it becomes unattached for any reason.
7. If the enchanted player gains protection from the curse’s color, what happens to the curse?
If the enchanted player gains protection from the color of the curse (or other relevant characteristic), the curse will be put into its owner’s graveyard as it is no longer legally attached.
8. Are curses considered spells?
Yes, curses are Aura spells when they are cast and on the stack.
9. Are there any curses that can’t be removed?
Typically, no. Curses, being auras, can usually be removed through destruction effects, color protection or unattachment. Unlike some other card types, Curses cannot enter the game unremovable.
10. How do curses interact with abilities that trigger on spell cast?
When you cast a curse spell, abilities that trigger when a spell is cast (like Guttersnipe) will activate since a curse is an aura spell, though some spells and abilities will care if the target is specifically a creature, permanent, or player.
11. What are some common effects of curses?
Common effects include life loss, discarding cards, increased mana costs, and restrictions on creature combat. The effects of curses can vary greatly.
12. Can you bounce a curse back to your hand?
No, typically. Effects that bounce spells back to hand usually only target instants and sorceries, and curses are permanent enchantments. However, certain specific card effects could bounce auras from the battlefield to a player’s hand.
13. Are there any curses that work together synergistically?
Yes, numerous curses are designed to work together, such as stacking life loss or creating escalating penalties. Curses that tax spells or creatures, and ones that cause combat damage are good examples that can synergize.
14. Can I use a creature to block a curse?
No, curses target and attach to players, not permanents. Creatures cannot block a curse spell or any of its effects.
15. Can a curse be moved from one player to another?
Generally, no. Once a curse is attached to a player, it remains attached to them until it is removed. However, certain specific cards could allow you to move an aura from one player to another, but that is very rare.
Conclusion
Curses in MTG provide a unique way to disrupt an opponent’s strategy and apply persistent pressure. Understanding how they function as Aura spells, how to utilize their effects, and how to remove them is vital for any MTG player. Their ability to target players directly and create long-term disadvantages makes them an important consideration in deck building and gameplay. Whether you’re slinging curses or finding ways to break free from their grip, understanding this mechanic is key to mastering Magic: The Gathering.