What is Considered Multicolored in MTG?
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In the vast and intricate world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the concept of multicolored cards adds a fascinating layer of complexity and strategic depth. Simply put, a multicolored card in MTG is a card that requires mana from two or more different colors to be played. This is not just about aesthetics; it fundamentally influences how these cards interact within the game, impacting deck building, gameplay strategies, and card interactions. These cards blend the philosophies and mechanics of the colors they represent, resulting in unique and often powerful effects.
Let’s delve deeper into what truly defines a multicolored card and answer some common questions surrounding this crucial aspect of MTG.
Defining Multicolored Cards
The core defining feature of a multicolored card is that its mana cost requires symbols of two or more distinct colors. For instance, a card with a mana cost of {1}{B}{G} is multicolored because it needs one generic mana, one black mana, and one green mana. The colors a card possesses are determined solely by the mana symbols in its casting cost. This means if a cost includes {W}{U}, the card is both White and Blue.
It’s crucial to understand that a card is not multicolored simply because its effect is reminiscent of multiple colors. The card’s color identity is solely based on the colors in its mana cost. For example, a card might have a red-like effect but, if the mana cost is only {3}{W}, the card is still monocolored (white).
The color identity of a multicolored card impacts how it can be used with certain effects and card interactions within the game. It matters when cards refer to “multicolored,” “white,” “green,” or any other specific color.
The Color Wheel and Order
In MTG, the five colors of mana are organized in a clockwise order: White (W), Blue (U), Black (B), Red (R), and Green (G). This order is often represented by the acronym WUBRG (pronounced “Woo-berg”), which provides a useful framework for understanding the relationships between colors. The colors that are adjacent to each other on the wheel are called allied colors (e.g., White and Blue, Blue and Black), while the colors directly opposite are considered enemy colors (e.g., White and Black, Blue and Red).
When referencing color combinations, MTG uses this WUBRG order. So, a card that costs {W}{B} is a White and Black card, not a Black and White card. This standardized order helps ensure clarity and consistency in card text and discussions around card types.
The Significance of the WUBRG Order
The WUBRG color order is not just a mnemonic; it dictates:
- Allied and Enemy Color Pairs: Understanding these relationships is key to deck building and understanding game mechanics.
- Multicolor Card Combinations: All combinations of colors on modern Magic cards follow this convention.
- Color Identity: It helps determine which color the card officially is in the game.
- Card Design: Designers follow the WUBRG to decide which color combinations can have unique abilities.
Hybrid Mana Symbols
Hybrid mana symbols add another layer to multicolor cards. These symbols represent a cost that can be paid with one of two different colors of mana (e.g., a symbol that can be paid with either {R} or {W}). If a card cost includes a hybrid symbol, the card is considered both colors. For instance, if a card costs {2}{R/W}{R/W}, the card is both Red and White, regardless of the colors used to pay for the symbols when played.
Split Cards and Fuse
Split cards can also be multicolored, especially those with fuse. Split cards with fuse are two separate card effects that are placed on a single card. If a fused split card is cast by using both halves, it becomes multicolored. However, if only one half of the split card is cast, the spell is considered the color of the half of the card that was cast. When on the stack, each half of a split card acts as a spell in its own right and only has the characteristics of that half. However, when in any other zone, the card has the properties of both halves. This means that split cards with fuse will be considered multicolored in the graveyard or while in your hand.
Protection from Multicolored
Certain cards possess protection from multicolored. This ability is a significant advantage because it means the creature cannot be blocked, targeted, damaged, enchanted, or equipped by anything that is multicolored. This can lead to extremely powerful plays. If a creature with protection from multicolored is facing only multi-color spells, that creature cannot be interacted with by any multicolored cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Color Are Multicolored Cards?
A multicolored card is all the colors listed in its mana cost. If it requires both black and green mana, it is both black and green.
2. Are Hybrid Spells Multicolored?
Yes, hybrid spells are multicolored. The card has the properties of all colors that could be paid for it, irrespective of which color was used.
3. Does Protection Stop Multicolored?
Yes, protection from multicolored prevents the creature from being blocked, targeted, damaged, enchanted, or equipped by anything that is multicolored.
4. Are Split Cards Multicolored?
Split cards with fuse are multicolored while not on the stack. If fused the resulting spell is multicolored. When only one side of a split card is cast, the card is only that color on the stack.
5. What Happens When You Cast a Multicolored Spell?
Some cards have abilities that trigger when you cast a multicolored spell, like dealing damage based on the number of colors involved or returning multicolored cards from your graveyard.
6. Is Wear and Tear Multicolored in MTG?
Yes, if you cast Wear / Tear as a fused spell, the resulting spell is multicolored. If only one half of the card is cast, it will only be that color on the stack.
7. What Does Multi Colors Mean in MTG?
In MTG, multi colors refers to cards with two or more colors in their mana cost, it is the same as multicolored.
8. What is the Color Order of Multicolor in MTG?
The color order is WUBRG: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green.
9. How Does the Order Affect Multicolored Card Combos?
The order dictates how colors are combined, with allied colors being next to each other and enemy colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
10. What Does “Protection From Multicolored” Mean?
It means that a permanent with this ability cannot be blocked, targeted, damaged, enchanted, or equipped by any multicolored cards or effects.
11. Why Does Multicolor Mean?
Multicolor means having multiple colors. The term “multicolored” is used in MTG to specifically describe cards with mana costs requiring two or more colors.
12. Is Fire // Ice Multicolored?
Yes, Fire // Ice is a multicolored card because it has the properties of both the red and blue halves.
13. What Are the Best Two Colors in MTG?
Historically, Blue and Black are considered strong together because of their ability to control the game via card draw and removal.
14. Is White Considered a Multicolor?
No, White is one color of the five colors in Magic the Gathering. White cards are monocolored when they only have white mana symbols in their casting cost. The term multicolor refers to cards with two or more colors.
15. What are the 7 Colors of Multicolor?
While there are seven colors in a typical rainbow, in MTG, there are five main colors: White, Blue, Black, Red, and Green. Multicolor in MTG involves any combination of these five colors in a card’s mana cost.