Decoding Hexproof: Can Instants Pierce the Veil?

Instants, those spells of swift action and unexpected disruption, are a cornerstone of Magic: The Gathering. But what happens when they collide with the enigmatic Hexproof ability? The short answer: No, instants cannot target a creature with Hexproof controlled by an opponent. This means an opponent can’t use an instant that says “target creature” or “target player” to target your creature with Hexproof. Hexproof only restricts targeting, so instants that don’t target can still affect the board. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this interaction and address common misconceptions.

Understanding Hexproof: The Shield Against Targeting

Hexproof is a static ability that fundamentally alters how spells and abilities interact with a permanent. Specifically, a permanent with Hexproof cannot be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. This includes creatures, enchantments, artifacts, and even you as a player if you have Hexproof.

But what does “targeting” actually mean in the context of Magic: The Gathering? Targeting is explicit. A spell or ability targets if its text uses the word “target.” For example, “Destroy target creature” clearly targets a creature. If an instant spell says “target creature,” it cannot target a creature with Hexproof.

Hexproof acts as a protective barrier, preventing opponents from directly interfering with your permanents. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of this protection. Hexproof doesn’t stop effects that don’t target. This is where things get interesting.

Limitations of Hexproof: Non-Targeting Effects

While Hexproof is potent, it’s not invincible. Many cards and strategies can circumvent Hexproof, including:

• Board Wipes: Spells that affect all creatures on the battlefield, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, don’t target individual creatures. Therefore, Hexproof provides no protection against them.
• Sacrifice Effects: Spells or abilities that force an opponent to sacrifice a creature, like Diabolic Edict, target the player, not the creature. Hexproof offers no defense against these effects.
• -X/-X Effects: Spells that apply a negative power and toughness modifier to all creatures, such as Black Sun’s Zenith, affect creatures regardless of Hexproof. Note that proliferate does not target, so permanents with shroud or hexproof can be chosen.
• Effects in the Graveyard or Library: Hexproof only applies on the battlefield. Spells and abilities that can interact with cards in the graveyard or library, such as Reanimate or Extract, can affect creatures with Hexproof.

Therefore, while instants that target are thwarted by Hexproof, instants that utilize non-targeting effects remain potent tools against creatures with this ability.

Hexproof vs. Indestructible: A Crucial Distinction

Hexproof and Indestructible are often confused, but they offer different forms of protection. Hexproof prevents targeting, while Indestructible prevents destruction. A creature with Indestructible cannot be destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” However, it can still be exiled, sacrificed, or have its toughness reduced to zero.

Indestructible falls prey to exiling, tucking, etc; Hexproof is hit by ‘destroy all’ and other non-targeting spells. Both of these are powerful effects, though have many ways to work around and remove the threat.

Understanding the difference between these two abilities is critical for formulating effective strategies and countermeasures. Both abilities are important features of the strategic gameplay developed by Magic: The Gathering and often studied at the Games Learning Society with the goal to better understand decision making. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the science of gaming.

FAQ: Demystifying Hexproof and Instants

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Hexproof and its interaction with instants:

1. Can I target my own creature with Hexproof with an instant?

Yes! Hexproof only prevents opponents from targeting the permanent. You can target your own creature with Hexproof with your spells and abilities.

2. Does Hexproof protect against board wipes like Wrath of God?

No. Board wipes don’t target individual creatures; they affect all creatures on the battlefield.

3. Can my opponent force me to sacrifice a creature with Hexproof?

Yes. Sacrifice effects target the player, not the creature. Therefore, Hexproof offers no protection.

4. If I cast an instant that gives all creatures -1/-1, will it affect a creature with Hexproof?

Yes. This is a non-targeting effect that applies to all creatures, regardless of Hexproof.

5. Can I counter a creature spell with Hexproof?

Yes. When a creature with Hexproof is on the stack (as a creature spell), it doesn’t yet have Hexproof. You can counter it like any other creature spell.

6. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?

No. Deathtouch doesn’t target the creature it destroys; it simply makes any damage dealt by the creature lethal.

7. Can I enchant a creature with Hexproof?

Yes, but only with your own enchantments. Your opponents cannot target the creature with their enchantments.

8. Does Hexproof protect against exile effects?

Only if the exile effect targets. If it’s a non-targeting exile effect (like a board wipe that exiles all creatures), Hexproof won’t help.

9. Can my opponent use a Planeswalker ability to target my creature with Hexproof?

No. Planeswalker abilities are still abilities, and they cannot target creatures with Hexproof that you control, just like any other ability in the game.

10. Is Hexproof better than Indestructible?

It depends on the situation. Hexproof protects against targeted removal, while Indestructible protects against damage and destroy effects. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

11. Does proliferate get around Hexproof?

Yes, Proliferate does not target.

12. Do destroy spells work on indestructible?

If a creature has the keyword “indestructible,” it means two things: Damage can’t kill it. Effects that specifically say “destroy” can’t kill it.

13. What is the difference between Hexproof and Cannot be countered?

“Counter” applies to spells on the stack. “Hexproof” applies to permanents on the battlefield. “Counter” has no effect on permanents on the battlefield, and “Hexproof” doesn’t apply to spells on the stack.

14. Does Hexproof negate board wipes?

Granting hexproof to a permanent or player doesn’t cause opponents’ Auras to become unattached. A card that has ‘hexproof’ is still affected by board wipes that don’t target specifically that card.

15. Does Hexproof stop sacrifice?

No. Hexproof states that the creature cannot be targeted by spells or abilities that your opponent controls. If the spell or ability causing them to sacrifice targets the player and not the creature, it can still be sacrificed. Example “target OPPONENT sacrifices a creature”- hexproof creature can be sacrificed.

Mastering the Art of Interaction

Hexproof is a powerful tool that can significantly alter the dynamics of a Magic: The Gathering game. However, understanding its limitations and the various ways to circumvent it is crucial for both playing with and against strategies that utilize this ability. By mastering the nuances of targeting, non-targeting effects, and the differences between Hexproof and other protective abilities like Indestructible, you can elevate your gameplay and make informed decisions that lead to victory. Understanding these nuances are key to strategic gameplay and critical thinking skills.