Date:    Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:45:38 -0700
From:    Lee Sharpe <lee.sharpe@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Flourishing Defenses / Coming Into Play with Counters

Bryan Zembruski asked if I would be sure to inform the list of this
ruling, as there have been multiple instances of judges ruling it
incorrectly.  And I know I've certainly been asked it multiple times:

Flourishing Defenses
4G
Enchantment
Whenever a -1/-1 counter is placed on a creature, you may put a 1/1
green Elf Warrior creature token into play.

Flourishing Defenses' ability triggers when a permanent comes into
play with -1/-1 counters on it, and once for each such counter.  This
can be caused by a creature like Kitchen Finks returning to play due
to its persist ability, or a creature such as Grief Tyrant that
explicitly comes into play with counters on it.  Many players, rules
advisors, and judges seem to be under the belief that it only triggers
if the counters are placed on the permanent *after* it is already in
play, but this is incorrect.

Please make sure to distribute this ruling to your players and share
it with your fellow judges and rules advisors, as it is proving to be
one of the most common rules misconceptions about this set.

--
Lee Sharpe, lee.sharpe@gmail.com
DCI Level 3 Judge
Wizards of the Coast NetRep for EFnet's #mtgjudge