What it does
Amplify is a static ability that appears on certain creatures. When a creature with Amplify N enters the battlefield, you may reveal any number of cards from your hand that share one or more of that creature's creature types. For each card revealed this way, the creature gains N +1/+1 counters. For example, Amplify 2 gives two counters per matching card revealed.
The big nuance people miss: this is a "may" reveal that happens as the creature enters, not a triggered ability that uses the stack—so it can't be responded to before counters are applied, and it won't trigger anything that watches for the creature being on the battlefield first. Also, you must reveal cards from hand (not play them), and they share creature types, not card names.
In Commander, Amplify is mostly relevant in tribal decks (Beasts, Dragons, etc.) where you'll have plenty of matching creatures. It rewards holding cards rather than dumping your hand, creating an interesting tension with aggressive deployment.
Iconic cards with Amplify
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