Counter (disambiguation)

Counter is a term with several different meanings.

Counters On Cards

A card can be used to represent a different effects on a card, especially those that last beyond the current turn. Examples include +1/+1 counters, charge counters, and time counters.

Countering Spells

Certain spells and abilities can "counter target spell" (or similiar effects). A spell can also be countered if it no longer has any legal targets when it tries to resolve.

A spell that is countered is put into the graveyard instead of doing its effect. It is essentially negated.

Countering Threats

Countering can also refer to how a player deals with the cards played by their opponent.

For example, an opponent plays a creature spell. You must deal with this creature or it will probably eventually cause you to lose the game. You can counter it with a counterspell, counter it by using a removal spell on it, or counter it by playing a creature of your own. Once you have done some response to an opponent's play, you have "countered" their threat.