What is meant when stating that something is copying a spell?

When a spell is said to be copying another spell, it refers to the creation of a duplicate of that original spell on the stack. This means that the copy will have the same characteristics, mana cost, and any other relevant information as the original spell at the time of the copy effect. The copy does not influence the original spell in any way; instead, it operates as a separate instance that can be targeted and resolved independently.

The act of copying the spell means that it is placed on the stack as a new object, distinct from the original. This is significant because how the game handles copies can have various implications, such as interactions with spells that specifically affect spells on the stack. Understanding this concept is crucial for judges and players alike when navigating complex scenarios involving spell interactions.