Unbreakable: Understanding Indestructible Counters in Magic: The Gathering
Indestructible counters in Magic: The Gathering represent a fascinating evolution of the traditional indestructible ability. Instead of being an intrinsic property of a permanent, an indestructible counter grants that ability to the permanent it resides on. This means that the permanent with the counter can’t be destroyed by damage or “destroy” effects. Once the indestructible counter is removed, the permanent loses this protection and becomes vulnerable to standard removal spells and damage.
Decoding Indestructibility: More Than Meets the Eye
Indestructibility, whether granted by an intrinsic ability or an indestructible counter, doesn’t make a permanent impervious to everything. Think of it as a shield against specific threats. It’s crucial to understand what it doesn’t protect against to effectively play with and against it. Exile effects, sacrificing, and effects that reduce a creature’s toughness to zero are just a few of the ways to circumvent indestructibility. Indestructible is great, but it isn’t everything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Indestructible Counters
1. How does an indestructible counter differ from the indestructible ability?
The core difference lies in the source of the ability. Indestructible ability is an inherent trait, whereas an indestructible counter grants the indestructible ability to the permanent it is on. This distinction is important because removing the counter effectively removes the indestructible ability, making the permanent vulnerable.
2. What happens when a creature with an indestructible counter takes lethal damage?
The indestructible counter prevents the permanent from being destroyed by lethal damage. The damage is applied, marked on the creature, but the creature isn’t put into the graveyard. The damage remains until the end of the turn or until some other effect removes it.
3. Can an indestructible counter be moved from one permanent to another?
Generally, no. Indestructible counters are usually placed on a specific permanent by a specific effect. There aren’t commonly cards that let you move a counter from permanent to permanent.
4. How does exile interact with permanents that have indestructible counters?
Exile effects completely bypass indestructible. A permanent with an indestructible counter can be exiled, removing it from the battlefield regardless of the counter. Indestructible only protects against destruction, not exile.
5. Can an indestructible counter save a creature from having its toughness reduced to zero?
No. If a creature’s toughness is reduced to zero or less, it’s put into the graveyard as a state-based action, even if it has an indestructible counter. Indestructible only prevents destruction by damage or “destroy” effects, not by state-based actions resulting from negative toughness.
6. Does deathtouch affect creatures with indestructible counters?
Deathtouch itself doesn’t directly bypass indestructible. Deathtouch states that any amount of damage a creature deals to a creature is considered lethal damage. Indestructible prevents lethal damage from destroying the creature, so the indestructible creature will live.
7. Can a board wipe destroy a creature with an indestructible counter?
It depends on the board wipe. Board wipes that use the word “destroy” (e.g., Wrath of God) will not affect creatures with indestructible counters. However, board wipes that exile creatures (e.g., Farewell) or reduce their toughness to zero (e.g., Mutilate) will still work.
8. Can indestructible counters be proliferated?
Yes, indestructible counters can be proliferated just like any other counter. Proliferate allows you to add another counter of each kind already on permanents you control.
9. Do shield counters interact differently with indestructible than indestructible counters?
Yes, they do. A shield counter prevents the next instance of damage or destruction. An indestructible counter provides ongoing protection from damage and “destroy” effects. Shield counters are one-time protection; indestructible counters are continuous protection.
10. Does hexproof protect a permanent with an indestructible counter from being exiled?
No. Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Exile effects don’t target; they simply affect the permanent.
11. If a creature with an indestructible counter blocks a creature with trample, how is damage assigned?
The defending player must assign lethal damage (which, in this case, is any amount of damage because of indestructible) to the indestructible blocker. The remaining damage can then be assigned to the attacking player.
12. Can you counter a spell that would put an indestructible counter on a permanent?
Yes. You can counter the spell that would place the indestructible counter. This prevents the counter from ever being placed on the permanent in the first place.
13. How does sacrifice interact with permanents that have indestructible counters?
Sacrificing a permanent is not the same as destroying it. Indestructible counters do not prevent a player from sacrificing a permanent they control. The permanent goes to the graveyard as a result of the sacrifice effect, not because of damage or a “destroy” effect.
14. Are there any cards that specifically remove counters, including indestructible counters?
Yes, there are cards that can remove counters. Some cards are designed to remove counters. For example, A card like Vampire Hexmage will destroy a planeswalker by removing all the loyalty counters from it. Other counter removing cards do exist. This will remove an indestructible counter.
15. Where can I learn more about strategic game design in contexts like Magic: The Gathering?
If you’re interested in exploring the deeper connections between games, learning, and societal impact, I highly recommend checking out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They are a fantastic resource for understanding how games can be powerful tools for education and engagement. GamesLearningSociety.org provides insights into design principles and the cognitive benefits of game-based learning.
Concluding Thoughts: Mastering Indestructibility
Indestructible counters add a layer of complexity and strategy to Magic: The Gathering. Understanding their nuances, limitations, and interactions with other abilities is key to mastering the game. Use this knowledge to your advantage, build resilient decks, and outmaneuver your opponents!