+1/+1 counter

+1/+1 counter

List of cards

**+1/+1 counters** are the most common counter type in *Magic*. They were introduced in *Alpha*.

## Description

A +1/+1 counter on a creature adds one to its power and toughness. Creatures using +1/+1 counters were among the most popular in the early history of the game.

Charge counters serve as the equivalent default counter for noncreature permanents.

Any color can put +1/+1 counters on themselves, but white and green are best overall at doing it including putting them on other creatures. The creations of, and caring about, +1/+1 counters are secondary in black, and tertiary in blue and red.

### History

For ease of comprehension, blocks tended to focus on only a single type of counter on creatures, and +1/+1 counters are the default choice. When +1/+1 counters are absent from a block, they are most commonly replaced by their inverse, -1/-1 counters. Occasionally, thematic counters are used instead, such as the ki and divinity counters of Kamigawa block.

As a further concession to mitigate complexity, +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters are the only power and toughness altering counters used in new products. Additionally, they are never used in the same block, to minimize confusion in limited play. A small handful of cards from the earliest sets still use other, obsolete counters.

### Cancellation with -1/-1 counters

When both +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters are present on the same creature, they are immediately removed in matched pairs until only one or the other remains.

From the *Comprehensive Rules* (November 17, 2023—*The Lost Caverns of Ixalan*)

* **122.3.** If a permanent has both a +1/+1 counter and a -1/-1 counter on it, N +1/+1 and N -1/-1 counters are removed from it as a state-based action, where N is the smaller of the number of +1/+1 and -1/-1 counters on it. See rule 704.

### Mechanics

+1/+1 counters are a component of many ability words, keyword abilities, and keyword actions. Their ubiquity is largely due to their lack of flavor, and enables a high level of compatibility between thematically unrelated mechanics.

They are used by the following mechanics:

* Keyword abilities
	+ Adapt
	+ Amass
	+ Amplify
	+ Awaken
	+ Bloodthirst
	+ Dethrone
	+ Devour
	+ Evolve
	+ Fabricate
	+ Graft
	+ Mentor
	+ Modular
	+ Outlast
	+ Reinforce
	+ Riot
	+ Scavenge
	+ Sunburst (on creatures)
	+ Undying
	+ Unleash
* Keyword actions
	+ Adapt
	+ Bolster
	+ Explore
	+ Monstrosity
	+ Support
* Ability words
	+ Converge (on creatures)
	+ Heroic (not general)
* Other mechanics
	+ Khabál ability

## References

1. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** Mark Rosewater (February 11, 2008). "+1/+1 Size Fits All". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** Mark Rosewater (September 26, 2005). "+1/+1 For the Road". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 18, 2021). "Mechanical Color Pie 2021 Changes". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 15, 2014). "Wither and undying in the same set?". *Blogatog*. Tumblr.
5. ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 9, 2015). "Wouldn't the rule...". *Blogatog*. Tumblr.
6. ↑ Chris Millar (February 14, 2008). "The Making of a +1/+1 Counter Culture". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.