Mirror Match — ruling 1

A token created by Mirror Match will be blocking the creature it’s copying even if that creature can’t be blocked or has an ability that would stop the token creature from blocking it (such as menace or protection). This is also true even if the token creature has an ability that would stop it from being declared as a blocker.

Mirror Match — ruling 2

Although the tokens enter the battlefield blocking, they were never declared as blockers. Abilities that trigger whenever a creature blocks won’t trigger. If there are any costs to have a creature block, those costs won’t apply to the tokens.

Mirror Match — ruling 3

If the tokens aren’t creatures (perhaps because the attacking creature was an animated land), they’ll enter the battlefield but they won’t be blocking. Attacking creatures that weren’t otherwise blocked will remain unblocked.

Mirror Match — ruling 4

The delayed triggered ability that exiles the tokens will trigger at end of combat no matter what happens to the original creature.

Mirror Match — ruling 5

If Mirror Match creates more than one token for any given attacking creature (due to an effect such as the one Doubling Season creates), each of those tokens will enter the battlefield blocking the creature it’s a copy of. All of those tokens will be exiled by the delayed triggered ability.

Mirror Match — ruling 6

Each token copies exactly what was printed on the original creature and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that creature is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.

Mirror Match — ruling 7

If the copied creature has {X} in its mana cost, X is 0.

Mirror Match — ruling 8

If the copied creature is copying something else, then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that creature copied.

Mirror Match : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Mirror Match is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Cast this spell only during the declare blockers step. For each creature attacking you or a planeswalker you control, create a token that's a copy of that creature and that's blocking that creature. Exile those tokens at end of combat.

Complete guide

Mirror Match is a high-impact blue instant that turns an opponent's aggression against them by creating an instant army of blockers. By copying every creature coming your way, you can effectively neutralize an entire attack while potentially destroying the original threats in combat. It is the ultimate 'stop hitting yourself' card for blue mages.

What It Does

Mirror Match creates a token copy of every creature currently attacking you or a planeswalker you control. These tokens enter the battlefield already blocking the specific creatures they are copying. Because they are placed onto the battlefield in a blocking state, they bypass any restrictions that would normally prevent a block, such as menace, flying, or 'can't be blocked' abilities.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must cast this during the declare blockers step, after your opponent has finished declaring their attackers. Upon resolution, the game identifies all creatures attacking you or your planeswalkers. For each one, a token is created that copies the base characteristics of that creature. These tokens are immediately assigned as blockers. Finally, a delayed triggered ability is created that will exile these tokens once the end of combat step is reached.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming 'Whenever this creature blocks' abilities will trigger; they won't, because the tokens were never 'declared' as blockers. Additionally, remember that the tokens only copy the base card (or the effect that created the original token). They do not copy Auras, Equipment, or +1/+1 counters attached to the attackers. If you copy an attacking animated land, the token will enter as a land and, since it isn't a creature, it won't be able to block.

When to Play It

Since this costs six mana, it is best saved for a 'game-ending' swing from your opponent. It is particularly effective against large non-legendary creatures or creatures with powerful enters-the-battlefield abilities, as your tokens will trigger those abilities when they appear.

Interaction examples

Surviving the Unblockable

Copy

If your opponent attacks with a creature that 'can't be blocked,' you can still cast Mirror Match. The Copy token enters the battlefield already blocking that creature. Since the game isn't 'declaring' a block but simply placing a blocker there, the 'can't be blocked' restriction is ignored, and combat damage happens between them normally.

Handling Counterspells

Force of Will Mystic Confluence

Mirror Match must be cast in the declare blockers step. If your opponent uses Force of Will to counter it, you can respond with Mystic Confluence to counter their spell or draw cards. However, if Mirror Match is countered, you won't get any tokens, and you must proceed to the combat damage step with the original attackers unblocked.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Mirror Match

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
A token created by Mirror Match will be blocking the creature it’s copying even if that creature can’t be blocked or has an ability that would stop the token creature from blocking it (such as menace or protection). This is also true even if the token creature has an ability that would stop it from being declared as a blocker.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#2November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
Although the tokens enter the battlefield blocking, they were never declared as blockers. Abilities that trigger whenever a creature blocks won’t trigger. If there are any costs to have a creature block, those costs won’t apply to the tokens.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
If the tokens aren’t creatures (perhaps because the attacking creature was an animated land), they’ll enter the battlefield but they won’t be blocking. Attacking creatures that weren’t otherwise blocked will remain unblocked.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
The delayed triggered ability that exiles the tokens will trigger at end of combat no matter what happens to the original creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
If Mirror Match creates more than one token for any given attacking creature (due to an effect such as the one Doubling Season creates), each of those tokens will enter the battlefield blocking the creature it’s a copy of. All of those tokens will be exiled by the delayed triggered ability.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#6November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
Each token copies exactly what was printed on the original creature and nothing else (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that creature is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#7November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied creature has in its mana cost, X is 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied creature is copying something else, then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that creature copied.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#9November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied creature is a token, the token created by Mirror Match copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that put the token onto the battlefield.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#10November 4, 2015· Wizards of the Coast
Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied creature will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any “as [this permanent] enters the battlefield” or “[this permanent] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the copied creature will also work.
No other card is named in this ruling.