The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 1

You choose whether to make a copy as the demonstrate ability resolves. This happens before the original spell resolves. Your copy goes on the stack above the original spell.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 2

If you copy a spell with demonstrate, you then immediately choose an opponent. If they copy the spell, it goes on top of the stack.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 3

If the spell requires targets, you choose the target of the original spell as you cast it. If you create a copy of the spell, you may choose new targets for the copy as you create that copy. Similarly, the opponent you chose to create a copy may choose new targets for that copy as it's created. In other words, your opponent will know the targets of your original spell and your copy when choosing the new targets, if any, for their copy.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 4

This means that if you cast a spell with demonstrate and both you and an opponent copy it, the opponent's copy will resolve first, then your copy will resolve, and finally the original spell will resolve.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 5

If you cast the spell and choose not to copy it, no opponent will get to copy it either.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 6

If the spell with demonstrate had any modes chosen for it as it was cast, the copies will have the same modes chosen for it.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 7

If the spell had an X value chosen for it as it was cast, the copies will have the same value of X.

The Twelfth Doctor — ruling 8

If any additional or alternative costs were paid to cast the spell with demonstrate, the copies will see those choices as well. For example, if the spell has a kicker ability and was kicked, the copies will also be kicked.

The Twelfth Doctor : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

The Twelfth Doctor 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

The first spell you cast from anywhere other than your hand each turn has demonstrate. (When you cast that spell, you may copy it. If you do, choose an opponent to also copy it. A copy of a permanent spell becomes a token.) Whenever you copy a spell, put a +1/+1 counter on The Twelfth Doctor.

Complete guide

The Twelfth Doctor is a powerful Time Lord who rewards you for casting spells from unusual places. By granting the demonstrate keyword to your first spell cast from outside your hand, he allows you to double your impact while growing into a formidable threat. Let's look at how to master this Doctor's unique ability to copy spells and manipulate the stack.

Unlocking Demonstrate

The Twelfth Doctor's primary ability triggers when you cast your first spell of the turn from anywhere other than your hand—such as from your graveyard, exile, or even the command zone. This spell gains demonstrate. When you cast it, you may choose to copy it; if you do, an opponent of your choice also gets a copy. Every time you copy a spell this way, or through any other effect, The Twelfth Doctor receives a +1/+1 counter.

Resolving the Stack

When you use demonstrate, the copies are created before the original spell resolves. The sequence is critical: first, your chosen opponent's copy is placed on the stack, then your copy is placed on top of that. This means the opponent's copy will resolve first, followed by your copy, and finally your original spell. If the spell requires targets, you and your opponent can choose new ones for your respective copies.

Growth and Timing

The second ability of The Twelfth Doctor is a triggered ability that triggers 'Whenever you copy a spell.' Because demonstrate involves you creating a copy, it will trigger the Doctor. If you are playing a game with multiple copy effects, the Doctor will continue to grow larger with every single copy created, regardless of whether that copy came from demonstrate or another source.

Strategic Considerations

The most common mistake is forgetting that giving an opponent a copy is mandatory if you choose to copy the spell yourself. You should only use demonstrate if the benefit of having two versions of the spell outweighs the disadvantage of your opponent having one. However, if the spell is a permanent, the copies enter the battlefield as tokens, which can trigger additional 'enters' abilities for you.

Interaction examples

Double Land Search

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast Solemn Simulacrum from your graveyard (perhaps via an Underworld Breach effect), it gains demonstrate. You choose to copy it and pick an opponent to copy it. The opponent gets a token copy first and searches for a land. Then your copy enters as a token, allowing you to search. Finally, the original spell resolves, and you get a second Simulacrum and a second land search. The Twelfth Doctor gets a +1/+1 counter because you copied a spell.

The Doctor and the Throne

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with the chosen type 'Time Lord,' and you copy a spell, The Twelfth Doctor's growth ability triggers. Because Roaming Throne sees a Time Lord's triggered ability occurring, it triggers an additional time. Instead of one +1/+1 counter, The Twelfth Doctor will receive two counters for every spell you copy.

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

How it works : The Twelfth Doctor

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
You choose whether to make a copy as the demonstrate ability resolves. This happens before the original spell resolves. Your copy goes on the stack above the original spell.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If you copy a spell with demonstrate, you then immediately choose an opponent. If they copy the spell, it goes on top of the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell requires targets, you choose the target of the original spell as you cast it. If you create a copy of the spell, you may choose new targets for the copy as you create that copy. Similarly, the opponent you chose to create a copy may choose new targets for that copy as it's created. In other words, your opponent will know the targets of your original spell and your copy when choosing the new targets, if any, for their copy.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
This means that if you cast a spell with demonstrate and both you and an opponent copy it, the opponent's copy will resolve first, then your copy will resolve, and finally the original spell will resolve.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If you cast the spell and choose not to copy it, no opponent will get to copy it either.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell with demonstrate had any modes chosen for it as it was cast, the copies will have the same modes chosen for it.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell had an X value chosen for it as it was cast, the copies will have the same value of X.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If any additional or alternative costs were paid to cast the spell with demonstrate, the copies will see those choices as well. For example, if the spell has a kicker ability and was kicked, the copies will also be kicked.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Unlike other creature types in Magic that are each only one word, the two words "Time Lord" represent a single creature subtype. Time Lord is the only two-word creature type.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#10October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Neither "Time" nor "Lord" are creature types. Some older cards were printed with the subtype "Lord," but all of those cards have updated Oracle card text that removed that type.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#11October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect instructs you to choose a creature type, you may choose Time Lord.
No other card is named in this ruling.