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0023: Copies ​

Status: Accepted. Item 3's rule on choices extended to copies of spells by decision 0038.

Context ​

The format had new copy for copies of cards and spells only. It could not record a permanent becoming a copy (Phantasmal Image, Clone), whose name changes, which the name check would reject. It also could not record a copy of an ability (Strionic Resonator), or say what happens when a copy of a permanent spell resolves.

Decision ​

  1. OBJREF become-copy OBJREF CAUSE records an object becoming a copy. Its name becomes the copied object's name, written after the OBJREF. For an object that enters as a copy, the line comes before the move onto the battlefield.
  2. When it leaves the battlefield, the copy effect no longer applies: the move line uses the copied name, and later lines the card's own name.
  3. new copy ID of ID controller PLAYER in stack CAUSE records a copy of an ability. It has the original's text and choices.
  4. A copy of a permanent spell becomes a token as it resolves and keeps its ID.

Rules basis ​

Checked against the Comprehensive Rules effective 2026-09-25.

  • 707.2: a copy "acquires the copiable values of the original object's characteristics", which include its name.
  • 707.5: "An object that enters the battlefield 'as a copy' or 'that's a copy' of another object becomes a copy as it enters the battlefield. It doesn't enter the battlefield, and then become a copy of that permanent."
  • 707.10: "To copy a spell, activated ability, or triggered ability means to put a copy of it onto the stack ... A copy of a spell or ability copies both the characteristics of the spell or ability and all decisions made for it".
  • 608.3f: a copy of a permanent spell "will become a token permanent as it is put onto the battlefield".
  • 400.7: an object that moves zones becomes a new object, so the copy effect no longer applies to it.

Alternatives rejected ​

  • A keyframe flag marking copies. Rejected: a name that differs from the card's own name already shows it.

Consequences ​

  • See examples/more-situations.md (Phantasmal Image, Strionic Resonator).