As a Magic: The Gathering player, understanding the interaction between different card mechanics is crucial to winning matches. One such interaction that players often find confusing is the interaction between Deathtouch and Indestructible. While both mechanics are powerful in their own right, their interaction can be tricky to navigate. In this article, I will explore the rules and interactions between Deathtouch and Indestructible in MTG.
Before diving into the specifics of Deathtouch and Indestructible, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the rules of MTG combat. During combat, creatures deal damage to each other equal to their power, and any creature dealt damage equal to or greater than its toughness is destroyed. However, some creatures have special abilities that can modify this basic rule, such as Deathtouch and Indestructible.
Deathtouch is a mechanic that allows a creature to deal lethal damage to any creature it deals combat damage to, regardless of that creature’s toughness. Indestructible, on the other hand, prevents a creature from being destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” While these mechanics seem straightforward on their own, their interaction can be confusing for players.
Understanding MTG Basics
The Concepts of Deathtouch and Indestructible
As a player of Magic: The Gathering, it is essential to understand the concepts of deathtouch and indestructible. These two abilities can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.
Deathtouch is an ability that allows a creature to deal lethal damage to any other creature it deals damage to, regardless of the other creature’s toughness. For example, a 1/1 creature with deathtouch can kill an 8/8 creature in one hit. It is important to note that deathtouch does not affect a creature’s power.
Indestructible, on the other hand, is an ability that prevents a creature from being destroyed by lethal damage or by effects that say “destroy.” An indestructible creature can still be affected by effects that say “exile,” “sacrifice,” or “return to hand.”
When a creature with deathtouch deals damage to an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature will not be destroyed. However, if the indestructible creature’s toughness is less than or equal to the amount of damage dealt by the creature with deathtouch, it will be put into the graveyard due to having taken lethal damage.
The Role of Creatures in MTG
Creatures play a vital role in Magic: The Gathering. They are the primary way to deal damage to an opponent and to defend against their attacks. Each creature has a power and toughness value, which determines how much damage it can deal and how much damage it can take before being destroyed.
Players can use creature abilities to gain an advantage in the game. Deathtouch and indestructible are just two examples of many abilities that creatures can have. Other abilities include flying, trample, lifelink, and first strike, just to name a few.
It is important to note that creatures are not the only cards in Magic: The Gathering. Players can also use spells, enchantments, artifacts, and planeswalkers to gain an advantage over their opponent. However, creatures are often the most important cards in a player’s deck, as they are the primary way to deal damage and to defend against attacks.
In conclusion, understanding the concepts of deathtouch and indestructible, as well as the role of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, is essential for any player who wants to succeed in the game. By using creatures effectively and understanding their abilities, players can gain an advantage over their opponents and emerge victorious.
Deathtouch Mechanics
How Deathtouch Works
Deathtouch is a static ability that allows a creature to deal lethal damage to another creature, regardless of its toughness. Lethal damage is any amount of damage that is enough to destroy a creature. When a creature with deathtouch deals damage to another creature, that creature is destroyed.
Deathtouch is a powerful ability that can be used to take out even the largest creatures with ease. It is particularly effective against creatures with high toughness, as it allows a creature with low power to take them out easily.
Interaction with Other Abilities
Deathtouch interacts with other abilities in interesting ways. For example, if a creature with deathtouch also has trample, it can assign any excess damage it deals to the defending player or planeswalker. However, the defending player or planeswalker only takes damage after the creature with deathtouch has dealt lethal damage to all blocking creatures.
Deathtouch also works well with first strike and double strike. A creature with deathtouch and first strike will deal its damage before a creature without first strike, allowing it to destroy the opposing creature before it can deal damage. A creature with deathtouch and double strike will deal lethal damage twice, destroying the opposing creature before it can deal any damage.
It is important to note that deathtouch only works with combat damage. It does not work with abilities that deal damage, such as Basilisk’s venom. Additionally, deathtouch does not work against indestructible creatures, as they cannot be destroyed by damage. However, if an indestructible creature takes damage from a creature with deathtouch, it will still be marked with damage and can be destroyed by effects that destroy creatures with damage marked on them.
Overall, deathtouch is a powerful ability that can be used to take out even the toughest creatures with ease. It interacts well with other abilities and can be a valuable tool in any player’s arsenal.
Indestructible Mechanics
Defining Indestructible
Indestructible is a keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that prevents a permanent from being destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” The rules for indestructible state that “an indestructible permanent can’t be destroyed by damage or effects that say ‘destroy.'” This means that even if a creature with indestructible takes lethal damage or is targeted by a spell or ability that says “destroy,” it will not be destroyed.
Common Misconceptions
There are a few common misconceptions about indestructible that are worth addressing. One is that indestructible creatures are immune to all forms of removal. While it is true that indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy,” there are still many ways to remove them from the battlefield. For example, an indestructible creature can still be exiled, bounced, or sacrificed.
Another common misconception is that indestructible creatures are immune to deathtouch. While it is true that deathtouch does not destroy indestructible creatures, it still deals damage to them. This means that if an indestructible creature takes damage from a creature with deathtouch, it will still take damage and potentially die if the damage is greater than or equal to its toughness.
To summarize, indestructible is a powerful ability that protects permanents from being destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” However, it is not an absolute immunity and there are still many ways to remove indestructible permanents from the battlefield. Additionally, while deathtouch does not destroy indestructible creatures, it can still deal damage to them and potentially kill them if the damage is greater than or equal to their toughness.
| Indestructible | Deathtouch |
|---|---|
| Prevents destruction by damage or effects that say “destroy” | Lethal damage from a source with deathtouch will kill the creature, even if it has indestructible |
| Does not prevent exile, sacrifice, or bounce | Does not destroy indestructible creatures, but can still deal damage to them |
| Does not prevent damage |
Interaction Between Deathtouch and Indestructible
What Happens in Combat?
When a creature with deathtouch deals combat damage to a creature with indestructible, the indestructible creature is not destroyed. Instead, the indestructible creature is marked with lethal damage and remains on the battlefield. This is because indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed by lethal damage or effects that say “destroy.”
For example, if my Hill Giant with deathtouch attacks my opponent’s creature with indestructible, and I assign one point of damage to the indestructible creature, the indestructible creature will be marked with one damage but will not be destroyed. However, if I assign enough damage to the indestructible creature to reduce its toughness to zero or less, it will be put into the graveyard due to state-based actions.
Strategic Considerations
Deathtouch is a powerful ability that can take down even the toughest creatures, but it is not a foolproof way to deal with indestructible creatures. In fact, it can be a disadvantage against indestructible creatures because it does not destroy them.
One strategy to deal with indestructible creatures is to use effects that exile or bounce them back to the owner’s hand. Another strategy is to use effects that reduce their toughness to zero or less, such as -X/-X effects or effects that give -1/-1 counters.
It is also important to note that some creatures with indestructible also have the ability to regenerate. Regeneration allows the creature to be removed from combat and survive destruction by paying a cost. When a creature is regenerated, it is removed from combat and all damage is removed from it.
In conclusion, deathtouch does not beat indestructible in MTG, but it can still be a useful tool in certain situations. It is important to consider other strategies and abilities when dealing with indestructible creatures.
| Deathtouch | Indestructible |
|---|---|
| Can mark creatures with lethal damage | Cannot be destroyed by lethal damage or effects that say “destroy” |
| Does not destroy indestructible creatures | Can be marked with damage and remain on the battlefield |
| Can be a disadvantage against indestructible creatures | Can be difficult to remove from the battlefield without specific effects |
Advanced Interactions and Card Examples
Notable Cards with Deathtouch
Deathtouch is a powerful ability that can take down even the toughest of creatures. Some of the most notable cards with Deathtouch include:
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Power/Toughness | Deathtouch Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thicket Basilisk | 2GG | 2/4 | Deathtouch |
| Thornweald Archer | 1G | 2/1 | Deathtouch |
| Master of Cruelties | 3BB | 1/4 | First Strike, Deathtouch |
| Basilisk Collar | 1 | – | Equipped creature gains Deathtouch and Lifelink |
Thicket Basilisk and Thornweald Archer are both relatively inexpensive creatures that can take down larger creatures with ease. Master of Cruelties is a bit more expensive, but its combination of First Strike and Deathtouch make it a formidable opponent. Basilisk Collar is not a creature, but when equipped to a creature, it grants that creature Deathtouch and Lifelink.
Notable Cards with Indestructible
Indestructible is a powerful ability that makes a creature immune to destruction by damage or effects that say “destroy”. Some of the most notable cards with Indestructible include:
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Power/Toughness | Indestructible Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wurmcoil Engine | 6 | 6/6 | Deathtouch, Lifelink, Indestructible |
| Questing Beast | 2GG | 4/4 | Vigilance, Deathtouch, Haste, Indestructible |
| Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice | 2GWUB | 4/4 | Flying, Vigilance, Deathtouch, Lifelink, Indestructible |
Wurmcoil Engine is a powerful creature that not only has Indestructible, but also Deathtouch and Lifelink. Questing Beast is a versatile creature that has multiple abilities, including Indestructible. Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice is a legendary creature that has a variety of abilities, including Indestructible.
Examples
When a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to a creature with Indestructible, the creature with Indestructible will not be destroyed. Instead, the damage will be dealt to the creature, but the creature will remain on the battlefield.
For example, if Thicket Basilisk deals damage to Wurmcoil Engine, the Wurmcoil Engine will not be destroyed. Instead, it will take the damage, but it will remain on the battlefield due to its Indestructible ability.
However, there are ways to get around Indestructible. Cards like Path to Exile and Swords to Plowshares can exile a creature with Indestructible, removing it from the battlefield entirely. Cards like Trample can also be used to deal excess damage to a creature with Indestructible, allowing the remaining damage to be dealt to the defending player.
In conclusion, while Deathtouch is a powerful ability, it does not beat Indestructible on its own. Players must use other tactics and cards to deal with creatures that have Indestructible.
Related Reading: Deathtouch and Indestructible in MTG
Deathtouch vs an indestructible creature: A Stack Exchange Analysis – Delve into the complexities of MTG rules where deathtouch meets indestructible, highlighting strategic gameplay implications.
Deathtouch-Indestructible Dilemma: MTG Salvation Forum Insights – Explore player discussions on overcoming the indestructible ability with deathtouch in Magic: The Gathering.
Indestructible Mechanics and Top Cards: Wargamer’s Guide – A comprehensive overview of the indestructible mechanic in MTG, featuring key cards that define gameplay strategies.
Deathtouch Mechanics FAQ: Blue Monkey Gaming – Get answers to frequently asked questions about deathtouch in MTG, clarifying how this powerful mechanic works.
Top Deathtouch Creatures: HobbyLark’s Picks – Discover the top deathtouch creatures in Magic: The Gathering that can turn the tide of any game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does deathtouch interact with indestructible creatures in Magic: The Gathering?
Deathtouch allows a creature or spell to deal lethal damage to another creature, regardless of the amount of damage dealt or the other creature’s toughness. Indestructible, on the other hand, means that a creature cannot be destroyed by damage or by effects that say “destroy.”
When a creature with deathtouch deals damage to an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature does not get destroyed. However, the deathtouch creature’s ability still applies, and the indestructible creature is considered “lethally damaged.” This means that if the indestructible creature’s toughness is reduced to 0 or less for any reason, it will be put into the graveyard.
What happens when a creature with deathtouch and first strike engages an indestructible creature?
When a creature with deathtouch and first strike deals damage to an indestructible creature, the deathtouch creature’s ability will apply first. This means that the indestructible creature will be considered “lethally damaged” before it has a chance to deal damage back. If the indestructible creature’s toughness is reduced to 0 or less as a result, it will be put into the graveyard.
Are there any ways to remove indestructible creatures from the battlefield?
Yes, there are several ways to remove indestructible creatures from the battlefield. These include:
- Exiling the creature
- Bouncing the creature back to its owner’s hand
- Returning the creature to its owner’s library
- Turning the creature face down (if it is a creature card)
- Reducing the creature’s toughness to 0 or less (if possible)
- Making the creature lose its indestructible ability
What are the comprehensive rules regarding indestructible in MTG?
The comprehensive rules regarding indestructible can be found in section 702.12 of the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules. This section outlines the definition of indestructible, how it interacts with other abilities and effects, and how it can be removed from a creature.
Can indestructible creatures be sacrificed or exiled to circumvent their indestructibility?
Yes, indestructible creatures can be sacrificed or exiled to circumvent their indestructibility. Sacrificing a creature is a cost, and it does not count as “destroying” the creature. Exiling a creature also does not count as “destroying” the creature, so it can be used to remove indestructible creatures from the battlefield.
How can a player effectively counter or overcome an opponent’s deathtouch creatures?
There are several ways to effectively counter or overcome an opponent’s deathtouch creatures in MTG. These include:
- Using creatures with hexproof or protection from the deathtouch creature
- Using spells or abilities that prevent the deathtouch creature from dealing damage
- Using spells or abilities that destroy or exile the deathtouch creature
- Using creatures with higher toughness than the deathtouch creature’s power
- Using creatures with first strike or double strike to deal damage before the deathtouch creature can retaliate.
Table 1 summarizes the interactions between deathtouch and indestructible creatures.
| Deathtouch | Indestructible | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | Indestructible creature is destroyed |
| Yes | Yes | Indestructible creature is considered “lethally damaged” |
| Yes (with first strike) | Yes | Indestructible creature is considered “lethally damaged” before it can deal damage back |
| No | Yes | Indestructible creature is not affected by deathtouch |
