MTG: Do ability's count as spells?

Question

I am a "okay" magic player, several of my friends are considered pro but I cannot trust what they say because they always try to cheat me. They say that ability's count as spells and i don't buy this. Could someone please help me? Also does anyone know of a card that allows you to search your library for a creature then put it into play? Thanks :D

Answer 1

They're wrong. Abilities don't count as spells for any purpose, except if you cast a spell as a result of the ability (for example, with Isochron Scepter). Activating a Blinding Mage won't trigger Apothecary Initiate, for example.



As for that card, there's a couple. Chord of Calling is a popular one, as is Tooth and Nail (both could use some mana accel though).

Answer 2

It is indeed a spell, modified by it's morph ability, but a spell nonetheless. Perfectly counterable.

Answer 3

AFAIK, no.





http://wiki.mtgsalvation.com/index.php?title=Spell&redirect=no