Masterwork of IngenuityHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Copy Effect Works

As Masterwork of Ingenuity enters the battlefield, you choose any Equipment currently on the battlefield to copy. It doesn't target the Equipment, so it can copy items with Hexproof or Shroud. If you choose to have it enter as a copy, it will have all the characteristics of that Equipment, including its mana cost, abilities, and subtype.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the spell is cast and placed on the stack. When it begins to resolve, you decide whether to use its replacement effect; if you do, you choose the Equipment to copy. The Masterwork then enters the battlefield with the chosen attributes. Note that it enters unattached, even if the original Equipment is currently attached to a creature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent error is assuming Masterwork of Ingenuity copies the 'state' of the original card. It only copies the base card as printed (plus other copy effects). It does not copy counters on the original Equipment, nor does it automatically attach itself to a creature just because the original is attached to one. You must still pay the Equip cost to move it.

When to Play It

This card is most effective in decks that rely on high-impact Equipment or when playing against opponents who use powerful tools. Since it costs only one mana, it is often more efficient to cast this as a copy of a high-cost Equipment than to cast the original card yourself.

Interaction examples

Doubling Your Mana Utility

Sol Ring

While Sol Ring is an artifact, it is not an Equipment. If Sol Ring is the only other artifact on the battlefield, Masterwork of Ingenuity cannot copy it because its ability specifically requires the target to be an Equipment. It would enter as itself—a 1-mana Equipment with no other abilities.

Copying for Efficiency

Arcane Signet

If you attempt to use Masterwork of Ingenuity to copy Arcane Signet, the ability will not find a valid Equipment to mimic. Like the Sol Ring example, Arcane Signet is a mana rock rather than Equipment. Masterwork of Ingenuity only gains the abilities of cards with the 'Equipment' subtype.

Stand-Alone Function

If no Equipment are on the battlefield when Masterwork of Ingenuity resolves, it enters the battlefield as a simple Artifact — Equipment with no abilities and no effect. It remains a permanent but provides no bonuses until it is transformed or used as a resource for other spells.