Is Equip a Targeted Ability? Unveiling the Nuances
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Yes, equip is a targeted ability. This means that when you activate an equip ability, you must choose a specific creature you control to be the target of that ability. Understanding this is crucial for navigating complex game states and interactions. This article will delve into the specifics of equip abilities, exploring why they are targeted, how targeting affects gameplay, and answering frequently asked questions to solidify your knowledge.
The Essence of Equip Abilities
Equip abilities are a fundamental mechanic found on many Equipment cards. They allow you to attach the Equipment to a creature you control, granting that creature specific bonuses and abilities. The cost of activating the equip ability is paid, and a target is selected – the creature that will receive the Equipment. It’s this act of selecting a target that defines equip as a targeted ability.
Why Targeting Matters: Understanding the Implications
The targeted nature of equip abilities has several crucial implications:
- Legality of Target: You must choose a legal target for the equip ability. This means the creature must be a valid target according to the rules and any restrictions imposed by the Equipment itself or other effects in play. For example, some Equipment may only be able to be attached to legendary creatures.
- Intervention: Because equip abilities target, they are subject to standard targeting rules. This means your opponent can respond to your equip activation with effects that might remove the target, prevent abilities from targeting it, or even destroy the Equipment itself before it becomes attached.
- Shroud and Hexproof: Creatures with shroud cannot be the target of spells or abilities, including equip abilities, from any player. Creatures with hexproof cannot be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Therefore, you cannot equip an Equipment to a creature that has shroud if you control the Equipment, and your opponent cannot equip to a creature that has hexproof if they control the Equipment.
- Auras vs. Equipment: While both Auras and Equipment can modify creatures, they function very differently. Auras that enter the battlefield attached to a creature are spells that target. Equipment only targets when the equip ability is activated. This distinction is significant, as it influences how they interact with various game effects.
Navigating Complex Interactions
Understanding that equip is a targeted ability is paramount for resolving intricate game interactions. Imagine a scenario where you’re attempting to equip a powerful sword to your creature, but your opponent controls a creature with an ability that says “Whenever a creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, counter that spell or ability.” In this case, your equip ability would be countered, preventing the Equipment from attaching. Recognizing the targeting aspect allows you to anticipate such interactions and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Equip
1. Does equip target if the Equipment is entering the battlefield some other way?
No. Equip only targets when the equip ability is used. If the Equipment is entering the battlefield attached to a creature through an effect that doesn’t use the equip ability (like an ability that says “Put an Equipment card from your hand onto the battlefield attached to target creature.”), it does not target.
2. Can I equip to a creature with summoning sickness?
Yes. Summoning sickness only prevents a creature from attacking or activating abilities with the tap symbol (or untap symbol). It does not prevent it from being the target of an equip ability.
3. What happens if the target creature becomes an illegal target in response to the equip ability?
If the target creature becomes an illegal target (e.g., it gains shroud, leaves the battlefield, or otherwise becomes ineligible) before the equip ability resolves, the equip ability will be countered upon resolution, and the Equipment will remain unattached.
4. Can my opponent respond to my equip activation?
Yes, your opponent can respond to your equip activation with instant spells or activated abilities (unless otherwise stated on the card). This is because the equip ability goes on the stack and must resolve.
5. Can I equip to a creature I don’t control?
No. You can only equip to a creature you control (unless the Equipment specifically says otherwise).
6. If I control two of the same Equipment, can I equip them both to the same creature?
Yes, unless the Equipment card has a restriction that prevents it. You can attach multiple copies of the same Equipment to the same creature. For example, you can have multiple copies of the Lightning Greaves attached to the same creature granting it multiple instances of haste and shroud.
7. Does equipping an Equipment trigger abilities that trigger when a creature enters the battlefield?
No. Equipping an Equipment doesn’t cause a creature to enter the battlefield. Therefore, it won’t trigger abilities that trigger when a creature enters the battlefield.
8. If a creature with an Equipment attached to it is destroyed, what happens to the Equipment?
When a creature with an Equipment attached to it is destroyed, the Equipment remains on the battlefield unattached. It will stay there unless it’s removed by another effect or re-equipped to another creature.
9. Can I equip an Equipment at instant speed?
You can only equip an Equipment at sorcery speed unless the equip ability specifically states otherwise. Some Equipment cards have abilities that allow you to equip them at instant speed under certain conditions.
10. If I equip an Equipment that grants flying to a creature, does it have flying immediately?
Yes. Once the equip ability resolves, the creature immediately gains the ability granted by the Equipment, such as flying.
11. How does equip interact with protection from a color?
If a creature has protection from a color, it cannot be targeted by spells or abilities from sources of that color, and Equipment of that color cannot be attached to it. If an equipment would become attached to that creature, it is unattached instead.
12. Can I move an Equipment from one creature to another without paying the equip cost?
No. You must pay the equip cost each time you want to attach the Equipment to a creature. There are some cards that let you attach equipment without paying its equip cost, but these are the exception, not the rule.
13. Does equip trigger “when a creature is equipped” abilities?
Yes. Activating an equip ability will trigger any abilities that trigger when a creature is equipped, such as those found on creatures like Brass Squire.
14. What happens if the Equipment loses its equip ability?
If an Equipment loses its equip ability, it remains attached to the creature it’s currently attached to. However, you won’t be able to move it to another creature unless you find another way to attach it (e.g., using a different card’s ability).
15. Where can I learn more about game rules and mechanics?
You can explore websites dedicated to card game rules, strategy, and community discussions. You can also visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to explore educational resources on game design and mechanics. You can expand your knowledge of game design.
Mastering Equip: A Path to Strategic Excellence
Understanding that equip is a targeted ability is a stepping stone to mastering the strategic complexities of games featuring this mechanic. By grasping the nuances of targeting, responding to threats, and leveraging the rules to your advantage, you can elevate your gameplay and dominate the competition. Remember to always carefully evaluate the game state, consider potential responses from your opponents, and plan your actions accordingly.