are non basic lands spells

[rice]

are nonbasic lands spells in magic

[Alterloth]

No...they're still lands...however, there are non basic lands that have abilities allowing you cast spells or play something that is a spell...for example, Dark Depths...

[Arix]

Dark Depths doesn't let you cast a spell or anything like that. Abilities aren't spells, ever.

[Alterloth]

So...when there are no Ice Counters on it and you put that 20/20 black Avatar creature token into play (which I have) it cannot be countered? Because I've had opponents counter it before...they say that they can counter it because it is a creature entering the battlefield under my control...we're getting into a different discussion here though...it is an ability, but it is an ability that results in a spell...I let them counter it obviously without any debate because, well...it's a creature coming out onto the battlefield...

[Arix]

Dark Depths has no spell involved at all. When it has no counters, it creates a triggered ability. When that triggered ability resolves, the Depths is sacrificed and a creature token is put into play. It can't be countered. You could counter the ability with Stifle, but then it'll just trigger again since it'll probably still have no counters. Anyone who thinks they can use Cancel to stop it is wrong, plain and simple.

[guyarney]

However, if you're having problems with Dark Depths, destroy it with Ghost Quarter.