<p>The difference is actually pretty similar to the difference in Magic: The Gathering.  When the word Target is present, the effect must point directly at the unit, and will trigger abilities that look for the unit to be targeted. Blood transfer, however, is worded this way to prevent abuses of similiar effects.</p>

<p>Assume there's a unit that you control that says 'when this card is targeted, do x".  Blood transfer would let you do X on demand, which could cause things to spiral out of control.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-09-24T15:04:21.943Z
2016-09-24T15:04:21.943Z
Adam Wells
<p>I noticed that some cards such as <code>Cut the Strings</code> state:</p>

<pre><code>Deal 2 damage to a unit you control
</code></pre>

<p>While other cards such as <code>Blood Transfer</code> say:</p>

<pre><code>Deal 2 damage to a target unit you control.
</code></pre>

<p>The FAQ says the term target is:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>: A term that is used to identify that the effect
  of a spell, ability or dice power is directly affecting
  something (including, but not limited to, an alteration
  spell, a unit, a player, or a Phoenixborn).</p>
</blockquote>

<p>But I'm still sure why the game uses the term <code>target</code> in some instances but not others. <strong>Is there a difference between a "target unit" and a "unit"?</strong></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-06T22:28:27.947Z
In Magic: The Gathering, the word "target" has special significance, but I don't remember there being one in Ashes. I don't have time to check the rules right now, though :(
ikegami
<ashes>
Difference between unit and target unit?
Dallin
# Difference between unit and target unit?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-08-06)

I noticed that some cards such as `Cut the Strings` state:

```
Deal 2 damage to a unit you control

```

While other cards such as `Blood Transfer` say:

```
Deal 2 damage to a target unit you control.

```

The FAQ says the term target is:

> : A term that is used to identify that the effect
> of a spell, ability or dice power is directly affecting
> something (including, but not limited to, an alteration
> spell, a unit, a player, or a Phoenixborn).

But I'm still sure why the game uses the term `target` in some instances but not others. **Is there a difference between a "target unit" and a "unit"?**

**Tags:** ashes

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: In Magic: The Gathering, the word "target" has special significance, but I don't remember there being one in Ashes. I don't have time to check the rules right now, though :(  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-09-24. Score: 0 | Accepted answer

The difference is actually pretty similar to the difference in Magic: The Gathering. When the word Target is present, the effect must point directly at the unit, and will trigger abilities that look for the unit to be targeted. Blood transfer, however, is worded this way to prevent abuses of similiar effects.

Assume there's a unit that you control that says 'when this card is targeted, do x". Blood transfer would let you do X on demand, which could cause things to spiral out of control.


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