Can Crimson Invasion Magikarp's ability affect the active Pokemon in the TCG?

Question

I have about 3 Magikarp in my Pokemon collection. One of them is from the Crimson Invasion Expansion, another from the Evolutions Expansion, and one more from an expansion I don't recognize. The Magikarp from Crimson Invasion has an ability called Submerge. It reads:
As long as this Pokémon is on your bench, prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks (both yours and your opponent's)
Now, suppose I put Magikarp from Crimson Invasion on the bench and the Magikarp from Evolutions in the active spot. Since the ability protects multiple Magikarp, and since Magikarp is the active and benched Pokémon, could I give my Magikarp from Evolutions protection from any attack such as Fire Spin or Superpower? Or would both Magikarp have to be on the bench to be protected?

Comments

I'm pretty sure that when it says "this Pokemon", it means the specific card. Basically, the Crimson Invasion Magikarp would be the only one protected by its ability, not any other Magikarp that happen to be on the bench.

Answer 1

Abilities in the TCG that state "This Pokemon..." apply to that card and that card only. A different card that shares the same Pokemon name as the card with the Ability does not benefit from the effects of the Ability unless specified. Your strategy would fail before it even started, as only the Crimson Invasion Magikarp would have the Ability.

Source: Basic knowledge of the TCG

Comments

Thanks Willowisp! I didn't know this. As with most games, I taught myself how to play. So this is new information to me. Thanks again!

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Happy to help :)