Apocalypse Hydra
Creature — Hydra
This creature enters with X +1/+1 counters on it. If X is 5 or more, it enters with an additional X +1/+1 counters on it.
, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: It deals 1 damage to any target.
Jason Chan
Modern Masters 2015 (MM2)
• #171Rulings
The first ability checks the number you chose for X, not the amount of mana you actually spent.
(wotc • 2009-02-01)
For example, if X is 4, Apocalypse Hydra enters with four +1/+1 counters on it, but if X is 5, it enters with ten +1/+1 counters on it.
(wotc • 2009-02-01)
Rulings
The first ability checks the number you chose for X, not the amount of mana you actually spent.
(wotc • 2009-02-01)
For example, if X is 4, Apocalypse Hydra enters with four +1/+1 counters on it, but if X is 5, it enters with ten +1/+1 counters on it.
(wotc • 2009-02-01)