Make it Count(ers): Why Not All +1/+1 Effects Are Counters

As we’ve probably learned over the years, cards generally do exactly what their Gatherer texts say. But some people still get confused. A major thing that I’ve seen trip people up is confusion about counters. Some people think that a static +1/+1 bonus (like from , or ) also counts as a counter. But that’s […]

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Mutilate’s -X/-X won’t apply to creatures that enter later in the same turn.

When a resolving effect modifies the characteristics of objects on the battlefield (such as power/toughness), the permanents that will be affected are “locked in” as the spell/ability resolves. So when you cast , it applies -X/-X to all creatures currently on the battlefield as the spell resolves, and that effect will last until the end […]

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Aegis Angel and effects that are applied to multiple permanents.

has an enters the battlefield ability that will make another targeted permanent indestructible for as long as the Angel remains in play. Indestructible means that this permanent will not be destroyed by effects that say to destroy or if it is a creature by receiving lethal damage. In most cases, what happens is pretty simple; […]

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Creatures can regenerate when destroyed by Phyrexian Rebirth.

As has been mentioned before, cards only do what they specifically state. does destroy all creatures in play, but it does not say that these creatures cannot be regenerated. Therefore, creatures can regenerate and end up ‘surviving’ the Rebirth. Creatures that do end up regenerating will not be counted as destroyed and will not factor […]

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