What Becomes a Copy Enters the Battlefield?
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An object that enters the battlefield “as a copy” or “that’s a copy” of another object becomes a copy as it enters the battlefield, and it is crucial to note that it doesn’t enter the battlefield and then become a copy of that permanent. This process is closely related to entering the battlefield, which refers to putting a permanent onto the battlefield or an ability that is triggered when a permanent is put onto the battlefield, commonly abbreviated as ETB.
Understanding the Basics of Copies and the Battlefield
To delve deeper into the concept of copies entering the battlefield, it’s essential to address several key aspects and questions that arise from this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Counts as Entering the Battlefield?
Entering the battlefield refers to the act of putting a permanent onto the battlefield or triggering an ability when a permanent is put onto the battlefield.
2. Do Copies Enter the Battlefield with Counters?
No, counters are not copiable, and whenever something becomes a copy, it generally copies the card as printed.
3. Does Creating a Token Copy Count as Entering the Battlefield?
Yes, creating is a shorthand for putting a token onto the field, and if the copied creature has an ETB (enters the battlefield) ability, it will trigger.
4. Can Double Major Copy a Creature on the Battlefield?
If a creature spell is copied, it’s put onto the battlefield as a token as the spell resolves, rather than putting the copy of the spell onto the battlefield.
5. Do Legendary Copies Enter the Battlefield?
Yes, the second legendary permanent that enters the battlefield triggers effects, and before a player gains priority, the game checks conditions for state-based actions, including finding two legendary permanents.
6. Do Mutates Enter the Battlefield?
No, the resolving mutating creature spell doesn’t enter the battlefield; it makes the creature already on the battlefield change characteristics.
7. Does a Copy Become a Token?
A copy of a permanent spell becomes a token as it resolves, with the characteristics of the spell that became that token.
8. Does Copying Count as Casting?
No, copying a Spell is not casting a Spell; copying puts a copy onto the stack without casting it.
9. Is Putting a Card onto the Battlefield the Same as Casting?
No, to cast a card is to cast it as a spell, while playing a land means putting it onto the battlefield from its current zone.
10. Do Copies Trigger ETB?
Yes, if the copied text includes abilities that replace the enters-the-battlefield event or enters-the-battlefield triggered abilities, those abilities will take effect.
11. Can Spark Double Copy a Legendary Creature?
Spark Double isn’t legendary if it copies a legendary permanent, and this exception is copiable.
12. Can You Copy a Counterspell?
Yes, you can copy a counterspell; for example, Fork’s ability can copy target instant or sorcery spells.
13. Does Creating a Creature Count as Entering the Battlefield?
Yes, creating one or more tokens with certain characteristics puts them onto the battlefield, and when a token is created, it enters the battlefield.
14. Does a Land Becoming a Creature Count as Entering the Battlefield?
No, when a land becomes a creature, it doesn’t count as having a creature enter the battlefield because the permanent was already on the battlefield and only changed its types.
15. Can Token Copies Flip?
Tokens and copies of Flip cards can flip, but tokens and copies of Transform cards cannot.