Mastering the Art of Duplication: Understanding Rule 707.10 in Magic: The Gathering
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Rule 707.10 of the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules addresses the creation of copies of spells, activated abilities, and triggered abilities. Specifically, it states: “To copy a spell, activated ability, or triggered ability means to put a copy of it onto the stack; a copy of a spell isn’t cast and a copy of an activated ability isn’t activated.” In simpler terms, when something instructs you to copy a spell or ability, you’re placing an identical version onto the stack without actually casting the spell again or activating the ability anew. This is crucial for understanding how many powerful effects work in MTG.
Delving Deeper into Copies: A Core Mechanic
The seemingly simple statement of Rule 707.10 unlocks a complex and strategic element of Magic. Understanding this rule is vital to properly resolving spells and abilities like “Twincast,” “Fork,” “Reverberate,” and “Increasing Vengeance,” which rely heavily on copying. These spells allow you to essentially double the effect of a key spell. This gives you a massive advantage over your opponent.
When copying, the most important thing to understand is you do not pay any costs related to the copy, unless the card creating the copy says otherwise. This can be game changing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rule 707.10
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Rule 707.10 to provide a broader understanding of its implications:
What exactly goes into creating a copy of a spell or ability?
When you copy a spell or ability, you are creating a separate object on the stack that has all the same characteristics as the original. This includes the mode, targets, choices made for it, and any additional costs that were paid. However, as 707.10 states, the spell is not cast and the ability is not activated, but the copy is put directly on the stack.
If I copy a spell, do I have to pay its mana cost again?
No. Rule 707.10 clearly states that a copy of a spell is not cast. The cost of the original spell was already paid. The copy simply appears on the stack, ready to resolve. This is often the entire point of copying effects: replicating powerful spells without the expense.
Can I change the targets of a copied spell?
Yes, usually you can. Unless the effect that creates the copy specifically restricts you from changing targets, you can choose new targets for the copied spell or ability. This allows you to adapt to the changing board state and potentially redirect the effect to a more advantageous target.
Does copying a spell trigger “cast” triggers?
No. Since copying a spell doesn’t involve actually “casting” it, it will not trigger any abilities that trigger when a spell is cast, such as those on “Guttersnipe” or “Archmage Emeritus.” This is a critical distinction.
If I copy an ability, does it trigger any abilities related to ability activations?
Similar to casting a spell, activating an ability that is copied is not actually activated again. Therefore, abilities that trigger on activation do not occur.
What happens if the original spell is countered before the copy resolves?
The copy will still resolve normally, assuming there are legal targets for it. The copy is a separate object on the stack and is unaffected by the fate of the original. This is a crucial advantage of using copy effects – creating redundancy.
What happens if the original spell required me to sacrifice something as part of its cost? Does the copy require me to sacrifice something too?
No. Since the copy is not cast, the costs associated with casting the original spell are not paid again. Sacrifices or other costs are not repeated for the copy.
Can I copy a spell that’s already resolving?
No. You can only copy spells that are currently on the stack. Once a spell begins to resolve, it is no longer a legal target for a copy effect. The spell is moving towards the graveyard.
If a spell has different modes, which mode does the copy use?
The copy uses the same mode(s) that were chosen for the original spell. When the original spell was cast, choices are made for which mode to use. The copy will replicate those mode choices exactly.
If a spell has kicker or other additional costs paid, does the copy also have those costs applied?
Yes. If additional costs like kicker were paid when the original spell was cast, the copy will also reflect those costs. The copy is an exact duplicate, including all choices and costs paid. If the spell was not kicked, it won’t be kicked when copied.
How does copying work with spells that have X in their mana cost?
The value of X is copied exactly. If the original spell was cast with X=5, the copy will also have X=5. You cannot choose a different value for X when copying.
Can I copy a modal double-faced card (MDFC) like “Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor”?
You can copy either side of an MDFC while it is on the stack as a spell. The copy will be the side that was originally cast. If copying from the graveyard, it will be the side that was put into the graveyard.
Does copying a spell trigger the graveyard abilities of cards like “Niv-Mizzet, Parun?”
Since copying does not count as casting, Niv-Mizzet will not trigger.
Can I copy a creature spell?
Yes! Rule 707.10 isn’t limited to instants and sorceries. If a copy effect is able to copy a creature spell on the stack, it can! This puts a token onto the battlefield that is a copy of the creature on the stack.
Are copied spells considered “tokens”?
No. Tokens are permanents that have no card associated with them, while copied spells are spells on the stack, copied with a spell or ability. However, copied creature spells usually become tokens when they resolve. The copies are creatures on the battlefield.
The Strategic Depth of Copying
Understanding Rule 707.10 and its nuances is paramount for any serious Magic: The Gathering player. It opens the door to powerful strategies, explosive combos, and a deeper appreciation for the game’s intricate rules system. Explore further game design and learning concepts at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Copying is a mechanic that truly lets you do more than just play cards, it allows you to play with the rules themselves.