Magic 2012 has introduced a new do-it-yourself lord that give +1/+1 to creatures of a chosen type that you control. The Adaptive Automaton itself also becomes this type, but it does not gain the +1/+1 bonus from its own ability.

It is important to note that the choice of creature type is made as the Automaton enters play. This happens as the Adaptive Automaton spell resolves or the spell or ability that is putting it into play resolves. This is because the Automaton’s ability is a static ability that generates a replacement effect. This replacement effect is applied as the Automaton enters the battlefield and slightly changes what happens. Normally creatures just enter the battlefield, with abilities like these they enter as a choice is made.

Because this choice happens during the resolution of another spell or ability, no player can respond by playing spells and abilities. For example, let’s say your opponent controls both a Runeclaw Bear and a Daggerback Basilisk and plays an Adaptive Automaton. You will not know what creature type he intends to ‘boost’ when the Automaton resolves. You cannot play a Shock in response to the choice of creature type to prevent a creature from getting +1/+1. (It is probably best to wait with that Shock and just kill the Automaton itself, but you get the point.)