Probably one of the most-misused words in Magic has to be ʺtarget.ʺ Despite how often people seem to be confused, it’s actually quite simple: a spell or ability only has a target if the word ʺtargetʺ is included somewhere in its rules text (or in the comprehensive rules text for certain keyword abilities, such as ‘enchant’ if it’s an Aura spell or ‘equip’ for equipment).

Take a look at Roaring Primadox. Its ability doesn’t include the word ʺtargetʺ, so it doesn’t target anything. Shortest Rules Tips blog entry ever, right? … okay, maybe not. This matters because when Primadox’s ability triggers, certain things are different from handling an ability with a target. On the plus side, you don’t have to tell your opponent which creature you’re returning until the ability resolves, and if your opponent asks, they can’t do anything in between you choosing the creature and returning it to your hand. You can choose any creature you control, even one with shroud or protection (or a Phantasmal Image, and you won’t have to sacrifice it). On the minus side, if your opponent can pre-emptively guess which creature you want to return and remove it before the ability resolves, you’ll have to choose a different creature. In fact, if you only control one creature when the ability resolves, you’ll be forced to choose that creature – even if it’s the Primadox itself!

Editor’s note to answer another common question: When an effect says “creature” without saying “creature card,” it means a creature permanent (on the battlefield). You can never get a creature card from your graveyard to your hand with the Primadox’s ability.

Today’s Rules Tip written by
Jen Wong, Level 1 judge from Irvine, CA