What is Considered a Spell in Magic?
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A spell is a magical effect that is created by casting a card from your hand, which can be a sorcery, instant, enchantment, artifact, creature, or planeswalker, and it is not limited to just these types, but can also include copies of spells. In the context of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a spell is any type of card that is cast by a player, with the exception of land cards, which are not considered spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Are enchantments considered spells? Yes, enchantments are considered spells, as they are cast from the hand and can be countered by counter spells.
- Does playing a land count as a spell? No, lands are not considered spells, as they are not cast from the hand and do not use the stack.
- What is considered a non-creature spell? A non-creature spell is any spell that is not a creature, including instants, sorceries, artifacts, enchantments, and planeswalkers.
Spell Types
- What counts as a permanent spell? A permanent spell is a spell that will enter the battlefield as a permanent, including artifacts, creatures, enchantments, and planeswalkers.
- Is a creature spell considered a spell? Yes, a creature spell is considered a spell while it is being cast, but once it resolves, it becomes a creature permanent.
- Is a copy of a spell considered a spell? Yes, a copy of a spell is also considered a spell, even if it has no card associated with it.
Game Mechanics
- Do abilities count as spells? No, abilities are not considered spells, as they cannot be countered and do not trigger spell-related effects.
- Does playing equipment count as a spell? No, equipment is not considered a spell, as it is an artifact that is attached to a creature, rather than being cast.
- Is a planeswalker considered a spell? Yes, a planeswalker is considered a spell while it is being cast, and it becomes a planeswalker permanent once it resolves.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Specific
- What counts as casting a spell in MTG? To cast a spell in MTG is to take a card from your hand, put it on the stack, and pay its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect.
- Is a sorcery a permanent? No, a sorcery is not a permanent, as it is a spell that is cast from the hand and resolves immediately.
- What is considered a permanent in MTG? A permanent in MTG is a card or token that is on the battlefield, including artifacts, creatures, enchantments, and lands.
Other Games and Contexts
- What is considered a spell in DND? In Dungeons & Dragons (DND), a spell is a discrete magical effect that is created by a spellcaster, and it can have a variety of effects and durations.
- Is a token considered a permanent? Yes, a token is considered a permanent in MTG, as it is a card or object that is created by a spell or ability and is on the battlefield.
- What is a masking spell? A masking spell is a type of charm that can be used to mask the presence of a witch or wizard, making them untraceable.