Does Dark Hole Destroy Tokens? A Comprehensive Yu-Gi-Oh! Guide
Yes, Dark Hole absolutely destroys Tokens. When activated, the spell card Dark Hole destroys all monsters on the field, and this effect does not discriminate against monster type, including Tokens. Tokens are considered monsters while they are on the field, thus making them vulnerable to cards like Dark Hole. This also applies to other similar cards like Raigeki which have the same blanket destruction effect.
Understanding Dark Hole’s Mechanics
What is Dark Hole?
Dark Hole is a classic and powerful spell card in the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. Its effect is simple, yet devastating: destroy all monsters on the field. It doesn’t target specific monsters, and its effect affects every monster, on both your field and your opponent’s. This indiscriminate nature is what makes it so effective, albeit risky for the user as well.
How Dark Hole Affects Tokens
Because Tokens are treated as monsters while they are on the field, they are just as susceptible to Dark Hole as any other monster. When you activate Dark Hole, all monsters, including Tokens, will be sent to the Graveyard. Since Tokens cannot exist in the Graveyard, they are removed from the game entirely. This is standard for Tokens under the effects of any card that would move a monster to any location other than the field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Hole and Tokens
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to further clarify how Dark Hole interacts with Tokens, alongside a few other common scenarios:
1. Does Dark Hole affect face-down Tokens?
Yes, Dark Hole affects all monsters on the field, regardless of their battle position. Face-down defense position Tokens are still destroyed by Dark Hole’s effect, just like any other monster.
2. Can a Token negate Dark Hole?
No, Tokens cannot negate Dark Hole. Tokens are monsters and, thus, are subject to the effects of card like Dark Hole. Only specific card effects can negate the activation of Dark Hole.
3. Can I summon a Token after I use Dark Hole?
Yes. Dark Hole only destroys monsters currently on the field. You can summon more Tokens after it resolves, as long as you have the appropriate cards or effects to do so.
4. If a Token is equipped to a monster, is it destroyed by Dark Hole?
No. While equipped, the Token is no longer a monster on the field. The equipped monster, however, will be destroyed by Dark Hole just like any other monster.
5. Are Tokens affected by spell or trap cards that target?
Yes and no. Tokens are monsters and therefore can be targeted by most cards that target, however, there are some cards such as the Egyptian God cards that are exceptions.
6. What happens to Tokens when they are returned to the hand?
Tokens cannot be returned to the hand. If an effect attempts to return a Token to the hand, it will simply be removed from the field and the game.
7. Does Dark Hole affect Pendulum Monsters in the Pendulum Zone?
No, Dark Hole does not destroy Pendulum Monsters in the Pendulum Zone because they are treated as spell cards in this position. They would need to be in a monster zone to be affected by Dark Hole.
8. Can you use Dark Hole to get rid of an Obelisk the Tormentor that was just summoned?
No. Obelisk the Tormentor’s effect prevents the activation of card effects during the turn he is summoned. Therefore, if you tried to activate Dark Hole on the turn Obelisk is summoned, Obelisk’s effect would negate that activation. However, after that turn, Obelisk can be destroyed by Dark Hole, as its effect doesn’t protect against non-targeting effects like this.
9. How do cards like Raigeki compare to Dark Hole?
Raigeki has the same effect as Dark Hole, that is, to destroy all monsters on the field. The difference is that Raigeki does not destroy the user’s monsters and Dark Hole does. Both will affect Tokens the same way, causing their removal from the game.
10. Can I chain a card to Dark Hole to protect my monsters?
Yes. You can chain cards that negate or protect monsters from destruction. For instance, if you chain a card that protects all your monsters from destruction (like My Body as a Shield) before Dark Hole resolves, then the monsters you control would be protected from destruction.
11. Does Dark Hole remove cards from the field permanently?
Yes, except in specific circumstances. If monsters are destroyed by Dark Hole, they are sent to the graveyard, unless they have an effect that removes them from play instead. Tokens cannot exist in the Graveyard and are removed from the game entirely.
12. Does Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit interact with Dark Hole?
Yes, Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit can target Dark Hole to destroy it and negate its effect, thereby preventing all monsters from being destroyed.
13. What are some strategies to counter Dark Hole?
To counter Dark Hole, players can utilize cards that negate spell effects, cards that protect their monsters from destruction, or cards that return monsters to the hand.
14. Can monsters that have specific protections be destroyed by Dark Hole?
Yes, most of the time. Cards like Obelisk the Tormentor have the effect that they can’t be targeted, but they can be destroyed by effects that do not target like Dark Hole. Cards with immunity to destruction effects, however, would be protected from Dark Hole.
15. What is the Black Hole Illusion mentioned in relation to Dark Hole?
The Black Hole Illusion is an aviation term unrelated to the Yu-Gi-Oh! card Dark Hole. It refers to a visual illusion that can occur during nighttime landings, causing pilots to misjudge their altitude and potentially crash, and shouldn’t be confused with any card effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Hole is a powerful, non-discriminating spell card that will destroy all monsters on the field, including Tokens. Understanding this simple yet crucial interaction is essential for any Yu-Gi-Oh! player looking to master both strategic plays and countering common tactics. Always be mindful of how Dark Hole can affect your Tokens and plan accordingly to use it or defend against it effectively.