what is a state-based effect?
Asked by ilikeoldcardsbetter 14 years ago
I've only started seeing that term recently, so I figured I ask here first. I'm guessing its one of those things that doesn't come up in casual gameplay
Basically they are the actions that happen. They have no trigger or activation.
704.1. State-based actions are game actions that happen automatically whenever certain conditions (listed below) are met. State-based actions dont use the stack.
An example would be if a creature has a zero toughness, it goes to the graveyard as a state-based effect. Whether it is from reduction from -1/-1 counters or it comes that way (i.e., Force of Savagery ).
September 13, 2010 2:04 p.m.
apparently nammertime and I answered this while I was typing my answer. his answer is correct though
September 13, 2010 2:06 p.m.
This is why you can't cast Chimeric Mass for 0, then animate, unless you have a Tempered Steel on the field, right?
Same topic; you could not tap a Steel Overseer in response to the mass becoming a 0/0 creature to save it, right?
nammertime says... Accepted answer #1
They are effects that are always active and aren't controlled by any player. They all resolve at the same time and do so before any triggered or activated ability.
For example, you play a Force of Savagery and have a Leyline of Vitality on the battlefield. The Leyline's effect would be considered at the same time as you calculate Force of Savagery's total power/toughness, as both are state-based effects (toughness 0 and p/t boost at all times). Without the Leyline, your Force would go to the graveyard, but with it, you're fine.
Other state-based effects include, but are not limited to, your life total being 0, a token in any other zone but the battlefield ceases to exist, and a player with ten or more poison counters loses the game... etc etc.
September 13, 2010 1:59 p.m.