Convert

Convert
Keyword Action
Introduced	Transformers
Last used	Transformers
Reminder Text	No official reminder text
Statistics	15 cards 13.3% 6.7% 13.3% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 26.7%
Scryfall Search
keyword:"Convert"

Convert is a keyword action introduced in Transformers and means to turn a double-faced card to the opposite face. It is exactly the same as Transform.

Description

Similar to Transform, if an ability instructs you to convert the permanent, you turn it over so its other face is up. Whichever face is up at the time tells you what that permanent is and what it can do.

History

Convert is a mechanic developed to allow double-faced cards to transform between both faces, representing the Transformers ability to convert between their robot mode and alternate mode.

"Convert" is the term used by Hasbro on the packaging and in the manuals for the Transformers franchise. They do this to avoid genericizing the term Transformer and transform, and thus to protect their trademark. Under US trademark law, a trademarked term can lose its trademark if it becomes a generalized term for what it represents (such as "Band-Aid" for an adhesive bandage, "Kleenex" for tissue, or "Hoover" for vacuum cleaner). In an attempt to keep "Transformers" as a specific, trademarked term for their brand, the toys and media always refer to the change between robot and vehicle as "converting." This is especially ironic in this case since they had to trade in the existing Magic: The Gathering Transform mechanic for the new Convert.

Rules

TBA

Example

Example

Starscream, Power Hungry
Legendary Artifact Creature — Robot
2/3
More Than Meets the Eye (You may cast this card converted for )
Flying
Whenever you draw a card, if you’re the monarch, target opponent loses 2 life.
Whenever one or more creatures deal combat damage to you, convert Starscream.

Rulings

• The convert keyword action functions the same way as the transform keyword action found on some other cards; to convert a permanent on the battlefield, turn it over so that its other face is up.
• The mana value of a converted permanent on the battlefield is equal to the mana value of the card's front face, no matter which face is up.
• Converting a permanent doesn't affect any Auras or Equipment that are attached to it. Similarly, any counters on the permanent will remain on that permanent after it converts. Any continuous effects from a resolved spell or ability will continue to affect it. Any spells or abilities on the stack that target a permanent continue to do so after that permanent converts.
• Any triggered ability of another card that triggers whenever a permanent transforms will also trigger whenever a permanent converts.
  • Similarly, an ability of another card that instructs you to "transform" one of these cards will cause you to convert it, even if that ability doesn't use the word "convert."