What is the second layer when dealing with continuous effects?

The second layer when dealing with continuous effects is indeed focused on control-changing effects. In the context of Magic: The Gathering's comprehensive rules, it is important to understand the order in which layers are applied to determine the final characteristics of a permanent or the effects on a player.

Here’s how layers work in the context of continuous effects:

1. Layer 1 deals with the effect that involves the characteristics of the card itself (i.e., what is defined primarily by the card’s text).

2. Layer 2 specifically addresses control-changing effects, which are effects that alter who controls a permanent.

Control-changing effects can come from spells, abilities, or continuous effects that determine or alter player control over objects. This is significant because it affects how players can interact with and use permanents on the battlefield.

To provide context, power/toughness-changing effects fall into a different layer as they are processed after control changes (Layer 3), while color-changing effects and abilities-added/removed effects take precedence before power and toughness adjustments. Therefore, understanding the order of layers ensures that players implement effects appropriately during gameplay. Thus, recognizing that control-changing effects are specifically categorized into the second layer is essential for accurately processing continuous effects in Magic: