+1+1 counters vs +1+1

[An Angry Fatman]

If a counter is placed on a creature, it has to be marked. Let's say I have a captain on the field, and it gives another creature +1+1. Do I have to mark that on the creature?

Example:

I have {Stromkirk Noble}(with a +1+1 counter), and a {Bloodghast} on the field. I then play a {Stromkirk Captain}. Would I have to mark that my creatures get +1+1? Or just having the captain enough?

[blackychan1]

They are not counters. There is nothing to place. Putting counters on things literally tells you to "put a counter on" them. Captain simply says "gets +1/+1" there is no marker (like a counter) to indicate this. So nothing is placed on the creature to represent this.

[mickeven]

you just know in your head that vamps get +1/+1 and which creatures are vampires.

[An Angry Fatman]

That's what I said, but my shop judge said differently. And I had to mark another +1 counters on my creature which was some bull.

[redwolv]

Wow. Thats like basic knowledge, how does a judge not know that.

Edit: that said. If a person asks what is the p/t of a creature is currently you should add the +1/+1 from the captain when you tell then the total.

[Thefluffymacheen]

Yeah you definitely didn't need to mark a +1/+1 counter on it. What my group usually does though is put a dice over the health / attack showing what is is after buffs if it's a buff from a permanent rather and until end of turn buff.

[particle]

Yeah you definitely didn't need to mark a +1/+1 counter on it. What my group usually does though is put a dice over the health / attack showing what is is after buffs if it's a buff from a permanent rather and until end of turn buff.

Not only do you not need to mark it, but it would actually be illegal and improper play to use a +1/+1 counter to show your creatures power was being boosted by the vampire lord. In magic, plus 1/1 counters are very specific things. Note that a +1/+1 counter and a -1/-1 counter will negate each other and the counters will actually disappear. This is relevant to this situation because if you were using +1/+1 counters incorrectly, and your creature received a negative counter from let's say {carnifax demon}, you would be incorrectly balancing the counters.

So, to be clear, only use +1/+1 counters when specifically directed to by a cards text. Modifying the power and toughness of a creature doesn't mean adding or removing that many counters.