Can You Block Flying with a Planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering? A Comprehensive Guide
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No, you cannot block flying creatures with a planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering. Planeswalkers are not creatures and, therefore, are incapable of blocking. Creatures can attack planeswalkers directly, offering a strategic alternative to attacking the opposing player. Now, let’s delve into more details and frequently asked questions about planeswalkers and combat in MTG.
Planeswalkers and Combat: The Essentials
Planeswalkers are powerful permanent cards that represent characters from the Magic multiverse. Unlike creatures, they can’t attack or block directly. Instead, opponents can attack your planeswalkers with their creatures. This is a crucial aspect of planeswalker strategy, as protecting them is vital to utilizing their abilities. When a creature attacks a planeswalker, it can be blocked as normal. If unblocked, the creature deals damage to the planeswalker, reducing their loyalty counters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Planeswalkers and Blocking
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about planeswalkers, blocking, and related combat mechanics in Magic: The Gathering:
1. Can creatures with flying block creatures attacking a planeswalker?
Yes, creatures with flying can block other creatures with flying, even if those creatures are attacking a planeswalker. The rules of blocking apply as usual.
2. If a creature is blocked while attacking a planeswalker, does the planeswalker still take damage?
No. If a creature attacking a planeswalker is successfully blocked, it will not deal damage to the planeswalker. The blocker and attacker will engage in combat as normal.
3. Can I use a planeswalker’s ability to prevent damage to it from an attacking creature?
Some planeswalkers have abilities that can prevent damage or otherwise protect them. However, this depends entirely on the specific planeswalker’s abilities. Read the card carefully to see if it offers any defensive capabilities.
4. Does Deathtouch work on planeswalkers when a creature attacks them?
Deathtouch does not automatically kill a planeswalker. Deathtouch only applies to creatures. Certain abilities, like that of Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, can change this interaction.
5. Can I redirect damage from a spell to a planeswalker?
Yes, some spells allow you to redirect damage that would be dealt to a player to a planeswalker they control. This is a strategic way to remove loyalty counters from a planeswalker without attacking with creatures.
6. What happens when a planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero?
When a planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero, it is put into the graveyard as a state-based action. This happens immediately, even if there are abilities on the stack that would increase the planeswalker’s loyalty.
7. Can I have multiple planeswalkers with the same name on the battlefield?
No. Due to the “legend rule,” you cannot have two planeswalkers with the exact same card name on the battlefield simultaneously. If you play a planeswalker with the same name as one you already control, you must choose one to keep and the other is put into the graveyard.
8. How does Lifelink interact with attacking planeswalkers?
If a creature with Lifelink deals damage to a planeswalker, you gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt. Damage dealt to a planeswalker results in loss of loyalty, but it is still considered damage for the purposes of Lifelink.
9. Can I give a planeswalker indestructible?
Yes, you can give a planeswalker indestructible. However, this only prevents it from being destroyed by damage. It will not prevent the planeswalker from being put into the graveyard when its loyalty reaches zero.
10. Does attacking a planeswalker trigger abilities that trigger when a player is attacked?
No, abilities that trigger when a player is attacked do not trigger when a creature attacks a planeswalker. Attacking a planeswalker is a separate game action.
11. Can I use a creature with reach to block a flying creature attacking a planeswalker?
Yes, a creature with reach can block a flying creature that is attacking a planeswalker. Reach allows a creature to block creatures with flying.
12. What happens if a creature attacking a planeswalker has trample?
If a creature with trample attacks a planeswalker and is blocked, the attacking player must assign lethal damage to the blocking creature before assigning any remaining damage to the planeswalker.
13. Can I sacrifice a creature to prevent damage to a planeswalker?
Some cards allow you to sacrifice a creature to prevent damage. If such a card is activated in response to a creature attacking a planeswalker, it can prevent the damage.
14. Does “All Will Be One” trigger when loyalty counters are added to a planeswalker?
Yes, “All Will Be One” triggers whenever you put one or more counters on a permanent or player. This includes putting loyalty counters on a planeswalker, and it will deal damage to a target opponent, creature, or planeswalker an opponent controls.
15. Can my commander be a planeswalker?
Some planeswalkers are specifically designated as being able to be your commander. These cards will have text that states “[CARDNAME] can be your commander.” Without this text, a planeswalker cannot be your commander, as commanders must generally be legendary creatures.
Planeswalker Defense Strategies
While planeswalkers cannot block, there are numerous ways to protect them:
- Creature Protection: Use spells and abilities that protect your creatures, forcing your opponent to deal with them before attacking your planeswalkers.
- Direct Removal: Use removal spells to eliminate threats before they can attack your planeswalkers.
- Creating Tokens: Generate token creatures to act as blockers and absorb attacks directed at your planeswalkers.
- Counterspells: Utilize counterspells to prevent your opponent from playing creatures that can attack your planeswalkers.
- Planeswalker Abilities: Some planeswalkers have abilities that generate tokens, increase loyalty, or otherwise protect themselves. Use these abilities strategically.
Mastering the Planeswalker Game
Understanding how planeswalkers interact with combat and other game mechanics is crucial for strategic play in Magic: The Gathering. By knowing the rules and utilizing defensive strategies, you can effectively protect your planeswalkers and leverage their powerful abilities to gain an advantage.
Learning the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering can be a fun and challenging experience, blending strategy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used to enhance education and learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their research and initiatives.