Increment

Keywords · intermediate

Increment is a triggered ability that puts a +1/+1 counter on a creature whenever you cast a spell for more mana than the creature's power or toughness.

How it works

• Whenever you cast a spell, if the amount of mana spent to cast it is greater than the creature's power or its toughness, put a +1/+1 counter on the creature.
• Clearing either stat is enough — the mana spent only needs to beat power OR toughness, not both.
• If a creature has multiple instances of increment, each one triggers separately off the same cast spell.

Rules notes

• The trigger watches every spell you cast, not just spells that involve or target the creature.
• The ability only triggers if the permanent is a creature at the time — if it isn't a creature when you cast the spell, increment doesn't fire.
• Because increment adds +1/+1 counters, each counter raises the creature's own power and toughness, raising the bar the next spell has to clear to trigger it again.

Rule reference

[702.191]