Combat
How Do Buffs and Other Counters Work?
A Buff counter gives a unit +1 Might; other counters track the effect that created them.
RiftPal explanation · Answer first
The short answer
To BuffPlace a Buff counter on a unit that does not already have one, unless an effect allows more. Each Buff gives that unit +1 Might.View in Glossary a unit, place a Buff Counter (Marker)A game object placed on another object on the board to track an ongoing effect or requirement. A Buff is one kind of counter.View in Glossary on it. That counter gives the unit +1 MightMight represents both how much Combat Damage a unit can contribute and how much marked Damage it can normally take before being killed.View in Glossary . A unit normally can have only one Buff, even if another effect tries to Buff it again.
RiftPal explanation
How it works
Card reference
Lee Sin, Ascetic
You may still choose a unit that already has a BuffPlace a Buff counter on a unit that does not already have one, unless an effect allows more. Each Buff gives that unit +1 Might.View in Glossary , but it does not receive another one unless an effect specifically allows multiple Buffs. Because it was not Buffed again, a "when you Buff" ability does not trigger and an "if it was Buffed this way" condition is not met.
Champion Unit
Lee Sin
Ascetic
[Shield] (+1 [Might] while I'm a defender.) [Exhaust]: Buff me. (I get a +1 [Might] buff.) I can have any number of buffs.
Spending a BuffPlace a Buff counter on a unit that does not already have one, unless an effect allows more. Each Buff gives that unit +1 Might.View in Glossary removes one Buff Counter (Marker)A game object placed on another object on the board to track an ongoing effect or requirement. A Buff is one kind of counter.View in Glossary . You can spend a counter only from a game object you control, and only when an effect instructs you to spend it.
Other counters track the effects that created them. A counter can be moved or spent only as an effect allows. If its game object enters a non-board zone, its counters are removed and stop existing.
In practice
Example
A 4 Might unit with no Buff is Buffed. Place one Buff counter on it, making it 5 Might and MightyA unit with 5 or more Might. Use current Might on the board and printed Might in a non-board zone.View in Glossary . Choosing that unit for another normal Buff effect does not add a second counter and does not trigger an ability that says "when you Buff me."