What it does
Backup is a keyword on certain creatures (mostly from March of the Machine) that triggers when the creature enters the battlefield. You put a number of +1/+1 counters (shown as "Backup N") on a target creature—which can be itself or another creature you control. If you target a different creature, that creature also gains all the keyword abilities printed in the backup creature's text box until end of turn.
The nuance people miss: those granted keyword abilities only transfer when you target another creature, and only the abilities listed under the backup ability count—not the creature's other abilities. Also, the +1/+1 counters are permanent, but the keyword grant lasts only that turn.
In Commander, backup shines for spreading evasion or lifelink onto a big threat, and it's great with blink or reanimation since each re-entry re-triggers backup, stacking counters and abilities.
Iconic cards with Backup
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