Can a Creature Target Itself in Magic: The Gathering?
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The short, direct answer is no, a creature cannot directly target itself with its own abilities or spells that it might be linked to. This is a fundamental rule within Magic: The Gathering (MTG) that prevents confusing and potentially game-breaking scenarios. While this seems straightforward, the nuances of targeting and what constitutes a legal target in MTG warrant a deeper look.
A key rule to understand is that a spell or ability on the stack is an illegal target for itself. This means if a creature were to somehow gain an ability that included a “target” clause, that ability itself cannot target the ability that is currently on the stack. This rule also applies to spells, including instants or sorceries that use the “target” keyword. For instance, you cannot attempt to counter a Counterspell with itself by redirecting the original counterspell’s target to the counterspell itself. This also means that a creature with an activated ability that reads ‘target creature’ cannot legally choose itself as the target of that activated ability.
The concept of “targeting” is crucial for understanding why a creature cannot target itself. In Magic, targeting is a very specific action, usually denoted by the word “target” on a card. A card or ability that includes the phrase “target [something]” explicitly requires that a target be selected according to the specifications within that text. If a spell or ability has no “target” word at all, then it does not target.
However, there are situations where creatures can be affected by spells or abilities they control, but this isn’t the same as targeting. For example, a creature might have an ability that affects “all creatures you control,” or perhaps a card might have an effect that reads “each creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn”. This type of effect will indirectly influence or affect a creature, but these are not the same as a “target” scenario.
Let’s break down why this rule exists: it’s primarily for clarity and preventing infinite loops or unintuitive scenarios. Imagine if a creature could target itself with an ability that granted +1/+1. It could potentially boost itself into absurdity. This also has implications for interactions with cards that manipulate targets, where it could create confusion with how targets can be redirected. This basic rule helps keep the game flowing smoothly and predictably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the complexities of targeting in MTG, let’s address some common questions:
Can a creature with shroud target itself?
No. Shroud prevents a creature from being the target of any spell or ability, including those controlled by its owner. Therefore, a creature with shroud cannot target itself or be the target of any ability or spell controlled by its controller.
What is an illegal target in MTG?
An illegal target is a target that does not meet the criteria specified by the spell or ability or is otherwise ineligible to be targeted. Examples include a creature that is no longer in the zone it was when it was targeted, or an object that has protection from a certain ability or is phased out. Also, and importantly, a spell or ability on the stack cannot target itself.
What counts as targeting in MTG?
In MTG, targeting is explicitly identified by the phrase “target [something].” This means that if a card or ability uses that phrase, it requires a specific target. This could be a creature, a player, a permanent, or any other eligible game object depending on the specific card text. If a card effect has no mention of ‘target’, then it does not target.
Can a counterspell target itself?
Absolutely not. A counterspell on the stack cannot target itself, nor can it be redirected to target itself. Spells and abilities on the stack cannot target themselves, period. This fundamental rule maintains clarity and ensures that counterspell interactions are resolved in a structured manner.
What does “target creature” mean in Magic?
“Target creature” means that a spell or ability must select one legal creature as its target. Depending on the card text, it might be any creature on the battlefield, a creature you control, or a creature an opponent controls. The specific wording of the card determines what type of creature is a valid target.
Does copying count as targeting in MTG?
No, copying a spell or ability does not count as targeting in itself. The copy inherits all the original’s characteristics, including the original targets selected. The act of copying itself does not create any new targeting opportunities.
Does hexproof stop deathtouch?
No, hexproof does not stop deathtouch. Hexproof only prevents a creature from being targeted by an opponent’s spells or abilities. Deathtouch, on the other hand, is a static ability that applies when a creature deals damage. Therefore, hexproof has no bearing on how deathtouch operates.
Does Equip count as targeting in MTG?
Yes. The Equip ability targets the creature that you are attaching the equipment to, as indicated in the reminder text. This means a creature with hexproof or shroud cannot be the target of Equip abilities controlled by an opponent or in the case of shroud, by anyone at all.
Does Hexproof stop you from targeting your own creature?
No, hexproof only stops opponents from targeting your creatures. It doesn’t restrict you from targeting your own creatures. However, if a creature has shroud then it cannot be targeted by anyone, including yourself.
Can you target a phased out creature?
No, you cannot target a phased out creature. While a permanent is phased out, it is treated as though it doesn’t exist on the battlefield. So it cannot be the target of anything.
Can you target a creature if it is tapped?
Yes. Unless a card specifies otherwise, the tapped or untapped status of a creature does not affect its eligibility as a target. Any permanent or creature can be chosen as a target. The targeted effect or ability simply ignores the instruction of tapping the card if it cannot be tapped.
What spells don’t target in MTG?
Spells that don’t use the word “target” explicitly do not target. For instance, spells that say “destroy all creatures” do not use the word target and do not target anything. This also means they can affect creatures with protection, hexproof, or shroud.
Can Reprieve target itself?
No, Reprieve cannot target itself because spells and abilities on the stack cannot target themselves. This rule prevents infinite loops or other unintuitive interactions.
What does Hexproof protect from?
Hexproof protects a player or permanent from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by an opponent. It specifically blocks targeting actions, regardless of the source.
Can deathtouch destroy indestructible?
No, deathtouch cannot destroy a creature with indestructible. While deathtouch causes lethal damage, and would normally destroy a creature, creatures with indestructible cannot be destroyed by lethal damage.
Understanding the intricacies of targeting in Magic: The Gathering is essential for both new and experienced players. Although a creature cannot directly target itself, the rules around targeting and its various effects can be complex. By grasping these fundamentals, players can better navigate the strategic possibilities of the game.