Can a Hexproof Creature Be Sacrificed?
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Yes, a creature with Hexproof can absolutely be sacrificed. This might seem counterintuitive at first glance, given that Hexproof provides a level of protection, but the mechanics of sacrifice in Magic: The Gathering are fundamentally different from targeting. Understanding this difference is key to mastering the intricacies of the game. Hexproof only protects a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. Sacrifice effects, however, do not target the creature to be sacrificed. They usually target a player, instructing that player to sacrifice a creature, or they may simply be part of an effect that does not target.
Understanding Hexproof
What Does Hexproof Protect Against?
Hexproof is a keyword ability that shields a permanent, most commonly a creature, from spells or abilities that are controlled by an opponent and target that permanent. This means that if an opponent attempts to use a spell or ability that uses the word “target” and selects your Hexproof creature, that effect will fail. Importantly, Hexproof isn’t a blanket protection against everything; it’s very specific in what it counters. For example:
- Spells that target: If an opponent casts a spell that says “Target creature” and they try to choose your hexproof creature, the spell will not resolve.
- Abilities that target: Similarly, if an opponent activates an ability that targets a creature, your hexproof creature will be immune.
What Hexproof Does Not Protect Against
Here’s the crucial part: Hexproof does NOT protect against:
- Effects that don’t target: Many powerful effects in Magic affect all or many creatures without directly targeting them.
- Sacrifice effects: As stated at the outset, the action of sacrificing a creature, especially when triggered by a spell or ability that is directed at the player and not the creature, ignores hexproof.
- Non-opponent spells and abilities: If you’re the one casting the spell or activating the ability, you can target your own hexproof creature.
Understanding Sacrifice
How Does Sacrifice Work?
Sacrifice is a keyword action in Magic that instructs a player to move a permanent they control from the battlefield to their graveyard. This is a non-targeting action. The official rules for sacrifice (rule 701.17) state that you are moving the permanent directly to the graveyard and it’s not being destroyed in the traditional sense of the word.
The Key Difference: Targeting vs. Not Targeting
The core of the distinction lies in targeting. Hexproof stops targeting; Sacrifice does not target. When a spell or ability states “Target opponent sacrifices a creature,” this is targeting the player, not the creature, even if the player eventually must choose and sacrifice a creature with hexproof.
Examples of Sacrifice Overcoming Hexproof
Consider these scenarios to reinforce the concept:
- “Target opponent sacrifices a creature”: If your opponent casts a spell stating, “Target opponent sacrifices a creature,” and you have a Hexproof creature as the only creature on the battlefield, you are still required to sacrifice your creature. The spell targeted you, the player, not your hexproof creature.
- Card with Sacrifice Effect: Consider a card with the effect “Sacrifice a creature”. If you control a creature with hexproof and you have to sacrifice a creature to pay the cost, you can sacrifice the hexproof creature as it is a valid target for the non-targeting sacrifice effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I sacrifice a hexproof creature to pay a cost?
Yes, you can sacrifice a hexproof creature to pay a cost as sacrifice actions do not target. If you have to sacrifice a creature as part of the cost to activate an ability or cast a spell, you can absolutely choose your hexproof creature.
2. Can boardwipes destroy hexproof creatures?
Absolutely. Boardwipes such as Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict do not target individual creatures. They typically say, “Destroy all creatures,” and will remove hexproof creatures from play.
3. Does Deathtouch kill a hexproof creature?
Yes, Deathtouch still functions against hexproof creatures. Deathtouch works by a source dealing damage. It doesn’t target a creature it is dealing damage to. So if a creature with deathtouch deals damage to your hexproof creature, that creature will be destroyed, unless it’s also indestructible.
4. What defeats Hexproof?
Hexproof is defeated by effects that don’t use the word “target.” This includes boardwipes, sacrifice effects directed at the player, and damage from sources with deathtouch.
5. Can I target my own hexproof creature?
Yes, you can target your own hexproof creature because hexproof only provides protection from opponent’s spells and abilities.
6. If I have Hexproof, can I prevent being targeted by a sacrifice effect?
No. Hexproof only protects permanents from targeted spells and abilities controlled by opponents. If an opponent casts a spell or uses an ability that states, “Target opponent sacrifices a creature,” then you will still have to sacrifice a creature, even if it has hexproof. The spell/ability targeted you as a player, not the creature.
7. Can I regenerate a sacrificed creature?
No. Regeneration only replaces destruction. Sacrificing a creature moves it directly to the graveyard, which is different from destroying it. Therefore, regeneration will not apply.
8. What happens if a creature with indestructible is sacrificed?
Indestructible only prevents destruction from damage or effects that specifically use the word “destroy”. Indestructible creatures can still be put into the graveyard through sacrifice, being bounced, or exiled.
9. Can you sacrifice a creature at any time?
No. You can only sacrifice a creature when an effect or cost specifically instructs or allows you to do so. Sacrifice is a keyword action like “fight” and can’t be used any time you choose.
10. Can Hexproof stop counterspells?
No. Hexproof on a creature has no bearing on the spell that creates the creature. Counterspells target the spell, not the creature that is being summoned.
11. Does Deathtouch cancel Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch doesn’t cancel deathtouch. If two creatures with deathtouch attack each other, they would both deal lethal damage to one another.
12. Does First Strike negate Deathtouch?
Yes, if a creature with First Strike deals lethal damage to a creature with deathtouch during the first strike damage step, then the creature with deathtouch will be destroyed before it can deal damage during the normal combat step. If the first strike creature does not deal lethal damage in the first strike combat damage step the deathtouch creature will then deal damage in the normal combat damage step.
13. Does a creature with deathtouch still kill a creature if it deals 0 damage?
No, a creature with deathtouch must deal damage to have its deathtouch effect activate. A creature with zero power cannot deal damage.
14. Do Planeswalkers have summoning sickness?
No, only creatures have summoning sickness. Planeswalkers may use their loyalty abilities the turn they enter play.
15. Does double strike beat deathtouch?
Yes, a creature with Double Strike will deal damage during the first strike combat damage step. If that damage is enough to destroy a creature with deathtouch, then the creature with deathtouch will be destroyed before it can deal damage during the normal combat damage step.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances between Hexproof, Sacrifice, and other keywords like Indestructible, Deathtouch, and First Strike is essential for becoming a proficient Magic: The Gathering player. While Hexproof provides excellent protection from targeting, it’s not a universal shield. Always remember that sacrifice effects bypass Hexproof by targeting the player, not the creature. By grasping these distinctions, you’ll navigate the intricacies of the game with greater confidence and skill.