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+1/+1 counter
| +1/+1 counter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Counter | |
| Use | Power and toughness alteration |
| Placed On | Creatures |
| Introduced | Alpha |
| Last Used | Theros Beyond Death |
| Scryfall Search | |
| oracle:"+1/+1 counter" | |
+1/+1 counters are the most common counter type in Magic. They were introduced in Alpha. A +1/+1 counter on a creature adds one to its power and toughness. Creatures using +1/+1 counters were among the most popular in the early history of the game.[1]
For ease of comprehension, blocks tend to focus on only a single type of counter on creatures, and +1/+1 counters are the default choice.[2] When +1/+1 counters are absent from a block, they are most commonly replaced by their inverse, -1/-1 counters. Occasionally, thematic counters are used instead, such as the ki and divinity counters of Kamigawa block.
Charge counters serve as the equivalent default counter for noncreature permanents.[2]
As a further concession to mitigate complexity, +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters are the only power and toughness altering counters used in new products.[1] Additionally, they are never used in the same block, to minimize confusion in limited play.[3][4] A small handful of cards from the earliest sets still use other, obsolete counters.
Cancellation with -1/-1 counters[edit | edit source]
When both +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters are present on the same creature, they are immediately removed in matched pairs until only one or the other remains.
From the Comprehensive Rules (July 3, 2020—Core Set 2021)
- 122.3. If a permanent has both a +1/+1 counter and a -1/-1 counter on it, N +1/+1 and N -1/-1 counters are removed from it as a state-based action, where N is the smaller of the number of +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters on it. See rule 704.
Mechanics[edit | edit source]
+1/+1 counters are a component of many ability words, keyword abilities, and keyword actions. Their ubiquity is largely due to their lack of flavor, and enables a high level of compatibility between thematically unrelated mechanics.[5]
They are used by the following mechanics:
- Keyword abilities
- Keyword actions
- Ability words
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (February 11, 2008). "+1/+1 Size Fits All". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (September 26, 2005). "+1/+1 For the Road". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 15, 2014). "Wither and undying in the same set?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 9, 2015). "Wouldn't the rule...". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Chris Millar (February 14, 2008). "The Making of a +1/+1 Counter Culture". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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