Cards and Card TypesBeginner

Token in MTG

A game object created by an effect that behaves like a permanent but is not a card.

Why it matters

An effect defines a token's characteristics and puts it onto the battlefield. A token can move to another zone, but it ceases to exist the next time state-based actions are checked and cannot return.

Visual example

Create two tokens

Effect
Raise the Alarm

Creates two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens

Battlefield
Goblin

A printed aid that can represent a Goblin creature token

  1. 1Cast Raise the Alarm and let it resolve.
  2. 2Create two separate 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens on the battlefield.
  3. 3Each token can attack later, block, or be affected like another creature permanent.

Real card example

Raise the Alarm

Creates two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens

Common mistakes

  • A printed token is only a marker; the game object is not a card.
  • A token that leaves the battlefield cannot remain in another zone.

Official rule reference

Comprehensive Rules 111 · Current Comprehensive Rules

View official rules