Tokens

[Michael Keller]

I've always been the one to use alternative indicators besides cardboard for tokens in play. However, I was curious as to what is effectively considered "legal" by token standards. For reference, from the Comprehensive Rules:



* 216. Tokens
o 216.1. Some effects put tokens into play. A token is controlled by whoever put it into play and owned by the controller of the spell or ability that created it. (If no player controlled the effect that created it, the token is owned by whoever put it into play.) The spell or ability may define any number of characteristics for the token. This becomes the token's "text." The characteristics defined this way are functionally equivalent to the characteristics that are printed on a card; for example, they define the token's copiable values. A token doesn't have any characteristics not defined by the spell or ability that created it.
+ 216.1a. A spell or ability that creates a creature token sets both its name and its creature type. If the spell or ability doesn't specify the name of the creature token, its name is the same as its creature type(s). A "Goblin Scout creature token," for example, is named "Goblin Scout" and has the creature subtypes Goblin and Scout. Once a token is in play, changing its name doesn't change its creature type, and vice versa.
o 216.2. A token is subject to anything that affects permanents in general or that affects the token’s card type or subtype. A token isn’t a card (even if represented by a card that has a Magic back or that came from a Magic booster pack).
o 216.3. A token in a zone other than the in-play zone ceases to exist. This is a state-based effect. (Note that a token changing zones sets off triggered abilities before the token ceases to exist.) Once a token has left play, it can't be returned to play by any means.
o 216.4 A token that has left play can’t come back into play. If such a token would return to play, it remains in its current zone instead. It ceases to exist the next time state-based effects are checked.

Note there really isn't anything specified as to what can constitute as 'legal' token representation. There is, however, a reference at 216.2 indicating that a token isn't a card, which I am aware of. However, could one use a face-up, unsleeved card as a token indicator (i.e. a face-up Scathe Zombie as a 'Zombie' token)? I know you can use just about anything to represent a token, but I would assume there are instances in larger events where the indication of a token being represented by an unsleeved card that is face-up and in play could be deemed 'unfit' by token standards. I understand it could be at the Head judge's discretion, but are there any rules governing the basic operating procedure regarding tokens and what they can be represented by?

In a nut-shell, is it legal to use a face-up Magic: The Gathering card to represent a token?

Thanks in advance.

[DerFern]

I've always been the one to use alternative indicators besides cardboard for tokens in play. However, I was curious as to what is effectively considered "legal" by token standards. For reference, from the Comprehensive Rules:



Note there really isn't anything specified as to what can constitute as 'legal' token representation. There is, however, a reference at 216.2 indicating that a token isn't a card, which I am aware of. However, could one use a face-up, unsleeved card as a token indicator (i.e. a face-up Scathe Zombie as a 'Zombie' token)? I know you can use just about anything to represent a token, but I would assume there are instances in larger events where the indication of a token being represented by an unsleeved card that is face-up and in play could be deemed 'unfit' by token standards. I understand it could be at the Head judge's discretion, but are there any rules governing the basic operating procedure regarding tokens and what they can be represented by?

In a nut-shell, is it legal to use a face-up Magic: The Gathering card to represent a token?

Thanks in advance.

The rule you quoted only means that a token is never treated as a card for other purposes. It does not mean that you are not allowed to use a card as a visual representation of a token.

Regarding your question of the legality: most of the time there is no problem at all. It is the job of both you and your opponent to keep a legal gamestate und to be aware of the game state all the time. If you have 8 Scathe Zombies on your battlefield, the cards are not sleeved like the rest of your deck then it should be obvious that those guys are tokens representing anything else. However, I strongly recommend that you use some way to clearly seperate them from the rest of your deck so that there is absolutely no room for confusion. There is no rule that forbids using those cards as tokens.

On a side note: if you should decide to use cards legal in your format as tokens then you should keep them seperate from your deck and your sideboard all the time. If you get deck-checked, play Dredge and there are 20 Scathe Zombies right next to your sideboard in your deck box, it could result in a gameloss for having 35 Sideboard cards... I don´t really think this would happen, but I guess you know what I mean.

[cdr]

You can basically use anything that's acceptable to you, your opponent, and the head judge. Real cards are fine as long as they aren't going to cause confusion. Judges much prefer that you use tokens that can show state - cards show tapped/untapped much better than dice or coins.

[Ryoku]

One thing that I'd like to add is that, if you do end up using real cards for tokens (which I'd personally advise against), make sure you don't leave them in your deckbox with your sideboard. The best way to handle it is to present your sideboard, much like you present your deck, before a match. That way, there can be no confusion as to what is in your sideboard and what are used as tokens.

[Nihil Credo]

Another useful and simple tip is to keep your deck and sideboard sleeved and your tokens unsleeved. Maybe black/white out their back sides too.

[anonymos]

I have a stack of 40 Saito Pro Tour Player Cards I use for tokens. Problem is that people keep telling me they're banned...