Lands are a fundamental part of Magic: The Gathering, providing the mana necessary to cast spells and activate abilities. But when it comes to card effects that interact with colored permanents, the question arises: do lands count? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, has some nuances that are important to understand.
Generally, basic lands are not considered colored permanents. They have inherent mana abilities that produce specific colors of mana, but they don’t possess a color identity themselves. This distinction is crucial for cards that specifically target or affect colored permanents.
Understanding Land Color Identity
While basic lands aren’t colored, nonbasic lands can be. Nonbasic lands often have specific color identities indicated in their rules text or by mana symbols in their cost or activation costs. For example, a land that requires one red mana to tap for mana is considered a red permanent. Similarly, a land that enters the battlefield tapped unless you control two or more basic lands is usually colorless.
It’s important to note the difference between producing colored mana and having a color identity. A land can produce colored mana without actually being that color. For example, an artifact land might tap for any color, but if it doesn’t have a specific color identity mentioned in its rules text, it’s colorless. This is a common point of confusion for newer players, and understanding this distinction is key to mastering the game’s intricacies.
How Card Effects Interact with Lands
Cards that interact with colored permanents specifically refer to the permanent’s color identity. For instance, a spell that destroys all colored permanents won’t affect basic lands. However, it will destroy nonbasic lands that have a color identity. This interaction is crucial for strategic deck building, allowing players to tailor their land base to avoid specific threats or maximize the effectiveness of certain cards. Considering the color identity of your lands is just as important as understanding their mana production capabilities.
Do Lands Count as Colored Permanents for Board Wipes?
Board wipes that destroy all nonland permanents obviously don’t affect lands, regardless of their color. However, board wipes that destroy all colored permanents will only affect nonbasic lands that have a color identity. Basic lands remain unaffected. This makes basic lands a valuable asset when facing such effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all lands colorless? No, only basic lands and some nonbasic lands are colorless. Nonbasic lands can have color identities.
- Does a land that produces colored mana count as a colored permanent? Not necessarily. A land can produce colored mana without having a color identity.
- Will a card that destroys all colored permanents destroy my basic lands? No, basic lands are colorless and are not affected by such effects.
- How can I tell if a nonbasic land is colored? Check the land’s rules text and mana symbols for color indicators.
- Why is it important to understand the difference between producing colored mana and having a color identity? This distinction is crucial for understanding how card effects interact with lands.
- Can a colorless land be destroyed by a card that targets colored permanents? No, a colorless land is not a colored permanent and would be unaffected.
- Are there any situations where a land can change its color identity? While rare, some cards and effects can temporarily or permanently change a land’s color.
In conclusion, while basic lands are colorless, nonbasic lands can have color identities. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for playing Magic: The Gathering effectively. By carefully considering the color identity of your lands, you can navigate complex card interactions and optimize your deck building strategies. Do Lands Count As Colored Permanents? The answer depends on the specific land and its properties.
For more detailed information, visit our article on can you choose colorless as a color mtg.
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