Countering a spell means putting the spell card into its owner's graveyard, unless an effect specifically puts it somewhere else (like Remand). The fact that a card specifies “target creature spell” just means you can't use it on other kinds of spells that aren't creatures.

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Simply so, what happens when you counter a creature in Magic?

When you "Counter" a spell it essentially never happens. A spell that is countered is put into the graveyard instead of doing its effect. In Magic the Gathering, everything but land is a spell. So whether your opponent is playing a creature, instant, sorcery, enchantment, etc.

Also, can you counter a spell already in play? Therefore, if it's not on the Stack, you can't counter it, because it can't be a spell. Once a spell has resolved, it's off the Stack and it's too late to counter it. Most spells, like creature, enchantment, or sorcery spells can only be played while the stack is empty, among other things.

Furthermore, can you counter a creature?

Yes. Creature spells are spells just like any other before they resolve and can be countered by counterspells. The countered creature spell will go to it's owner's graveyard. Generally yes, a counterspell can counter a creature.

What is considered a creature spell?

A creature spell is any card with the Creature type. Its easy when you start to think of spells as instants and sorceries, but in Magic every card you play (except lands) is a spell. The spell you cast was an instant or sorcery, which are types of noncreature spell, that just happened to be one that affected creatures.

Related Question Answers

Can you counter an instant with an instant?

Yes you can. Shock will on the stack so you can use Gian grown to put it above Shock on the stack resolving before shock is resolved and this way Your creature survives.

What is a creature spell in magic?

A creature spell is any card with the Creature type. That is to say any creature when it is being cast (played) is a creature spell. Its easy when you start to think of spells as instants and sorceries, but in Magic every card you play (except lands) is a spell.

Can you counter a Planeswalker?

yes. any spell or ability that allows you to counter an activated ability can be used to counter a planeswalker ability. e.g. Stifle. a normal counterspell can not counter activated abilitys though.

What happens when you counter an activated ability?

701.5a To counter a spell or ability means to cancel it, removing it from the stack. It doesn't resolve and none of its effects occur. A countered spell is put into its owner's graveyard. 701.5b The player who cast a countered spell or activated a countered ability doesn't get a “refund” of any costs that were paid.

What is a target spell?

A target is a chosen recipient of the effects of a spell or ability. A spell can require you to target a creature, for instance. The text mentioning the target will usually say what sort of thing may be targeted. Specific rules apply when a spell has targets.

Do abilities count as spells?

Spell abilities are abilities that are followed as instructions while an instant or sorcery spell is resolving. Any text on an instant or sorcery spell is a spell ability unless it's an activated ability, a triggered ability, or a static ability that fits the criteria described in rule 112.6.

Can you counter a spell twice?

You cannot counter the same spell more than once. 701.5a To counter a spell or ability means to cancel it, removing it from the stack. It doesn't resolve and none of its effects occur. A countered spell is put into its owner's graveyard.

What is Counter target spell MTG?

To counter a spell means to place the countered card into the graveyard with no effect. If you CAST bloodghast, your opponent can essence scatter it. If you play a land, it will be put into play on resolution of its triggered ability, which is not casting it, so your opponent cannot essence scatter it.

What is a counterspell?

Definition of counterspell. : a spell that counters or negates another spell …

Are Planeswalkers spells?

Note that planeswalkers are neither creatures nor players, so most spells and abilities cannot target them directly. There are, however, two ways to deal damage to a planeswalker.

What is a witch's spell?

An incantation, a spell, a charm, an enchantment or a bewitchery, is a magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects. An incantation can also be performed during ceremonial rituals or prayers. In the world of magic, incantations are said to be performed by wizards, witches, and fairies.

Is land a spell MTG?

Lands are not spells and cannot be countered. Playing a land does not use the stack and therefore occurs immediately, with no way for any player to stop it. Players are allowed to have any number of basic lands in a deck, but nonbasic lands follow the usual restriction of four copies of any one card per deck.

What is casting a spell?

Fundamentally, spell-making is the art of identifying, raising, and directing your energy. It requires no creed, book of rules, or special privilege to do.

Do countered spells go to graveyard?

To “counter” a spell or ability means to send it (from the stack) to the graveyard and cancel its effects. The Swiftclaw goes to the graveyard.