Auras, Hexproof, and the Tangled Webs of Targeting in Magic: The Gathering
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Can you target an aura on a creature with Hexproof? The simple answer is no. Auras, when they are spells on the stack, target. Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting your permanents. Thus, you cannot cast an aura targeting an opponent’s creature with hexproof. However, the interactions between Auras and Hexproof are more complex than a simple yes or no, involving phases, control, and game state nuances that are essential for any serious Magic player to understand. Let’s dive deeper!
Understanding the Basics: Auras and Hexproof
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish a firm understanding of what Auras and Hexproof are in the context of Magic: The Gathering.
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Auras: Auras are a type of enchantment that attaches to a permanent or player. They are represented by aura spells when cast, and aura permanents when on the battlefield. The key here is the “enchant” keyword ability. This ability specifies what the Aura can attach to (e.g., “Enchant Creature”). The target is chosen as the spell is cast.
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Hexproof: Hexproof is an ability that prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities controlled by your opponents. Notice the crucial word: “target.” It’s all about what is being targeted.
The Targeting Conundrum
The critical point to remember is that Auras only target when they are spells on the stack. Once an Aura resolves and enters the battlefield attached to a permanent, it no longer targets. This distinction is crucial for understanding how Hexproof interacts with Auras.
The Nitty-Gritty: Aura-Hexproof Interactions
So, we’ve established that you can’t target an opponent’s creature with hexproof with an aura. What scenarios are possible, and what situations might make this knowledge crucial?
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Casting Auras on Your Own Creatures: Hexproof only protects against your opponents’ spells and abilities. You can absolutely load up your own creature with Hexproof with Auras you control. This is a common and powerful strategy. Think about stacking multiple beneficial Auras on a hexproof creature to create a formidable threat.
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Auras Already Attached: Hexproof doesn’t cause Auras to fall off. If an Aura is already attached to a creature, and that creature subsequently gains Hexproof, the Aura remains attached.
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Putting Auras onto the Battlefield Without Casting: Some cards allow you to put Auras directly onto the battlefield, bypassing the casting process. In this case, there is no targeting involved, so Hexproof is irrelevant. A card like Academy Rector, when it dies, can put an aura directly onto the battlefield without it being cast.
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Auras and Protection: Protection is different from Hexproof. Protection does cause Auras to fall off if the Aura violates the protection criteria.
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“Non-Targeting” Effects: Hexproof only protects against targeting. Effects that don’t target are unaffected by Hexproof. Board wipes, sacrifice effects, and global enchantments don’t target and therefore affect Hexproof creatures.
Navigating the Rules: Why It Matters
Understanding these rules is critical for competitive play. It affects deck construction, strategic choices during gameplay, and the ability to react effectively to your opponent’s actions. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of precise language in Magic cards and the careful interpretation of the rules. The subtle difference between “target” and “each” can completely change the outcome of a game. Consider the difference in how targeted removal impacts your ability to win in a multiplayer game. Games such as Magic: The Gathering can be used as a learning opportunity, where players can use critical-thinking, strategizing, and problem-solving skills. Learn more about the intersection of gaming and education at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding Auras and Hexproof.
1. Can I cast an Aura spell targeting an opponent’s permanent with hexproof?
No, you cannot. Aura spells target as they are being cast, and Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting your permanents.
2. Do Auras on the battlefield target anything?
No. Auras on the battlefield are permanents and do not target anything. Only the Aura spell targets.
3. Can I target my own creature if it has Hexproof?
Yes! Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting your creatures. You can load up your own Hexproof creature with Auras to your heart’s content.
4. Does Hexproof remove Auras that are already attached?
No. Hexproof only prevents new Auras from being cast targeting the creature. Existing Auras remain attached.
5. Can I target equipment on a creature with Hexproof?
If you control the creature, yes. Hexproof only prevents your opponent from targeting your creature, and therefore, its equipment.
6. What does Hexproof *not* protect against?
Hexproof doesn’t protect against effects that don’t target. This includes board wipes, sacrifice effects, and global enchantments.
7. Can I target equipment on *any* creature?
Yes, you can. However, the equip ability usually restricts you to attaching equipment to creatures you control.
8. Do Auras fall off when a creature gains Shroud?
No, they do not. Auras only target while they are spells. Shroud prevents new spells or abilities from targeting the creature, but doesn’t affect existing attachments.
9. Do Auras count as targeting a creature?
Only when they are aura spells being cast. Once the Aura is on the battlefield as a permanent, it no longer targets.
10. Can I put Auras on any creature?
You can attempt to target any creature with an Aura spell. However, abilities such as Hexproof or Shroud may prevent you from doing so. Once the Aura has resolved and is on the battlefield, it affects the creature based on its text.
11. Do Auras fall off if a creature gains Protection?
Yes. Protection causes Auras to fall off if the Aura violates the protection criteria (e.g., Protection from Black will cause a black Aura to fall off).
12. Does Hexproof negate Deathtouch?
No. Deathtouch does not target, so Hexproof provides no protection against it. A creature with deathtouch deals its damage to another creature; it does not target it.
13. What are some strategies that “beat” Hexproof?
- Board wipes: Destroy all creatures.
- Sacrifice effects: Force your opponent to sacrifice the creature.
- “Each” effects: Spells that affect “each” creature rather than “target” creature.
- Effects that interact with the graveyard or library.
14. Does Dispel Magic work on Auras?
Dispel Magic can counter an Aura spell as it’s being cast. It cannot target an Aura that is already on the battlefield. However, an ability like Sunder Spell can target enchantments on the battlefield, and thus an aura.
15. Can I cast an Aura without a target?
No. Aura spells must have a legal target. If there are no legal targets, you cannot cast the Aura.
Final Thoughts
The interaction between Auras and Hexproof highlights the intricate and layered rules of Magic: The Gathering. Mastering these nuances is essential for becoming a more skilled player. It not only informs your deck-building and gameplay decisions but also enhances your appreciation for the elegant complexity of the game itself. As you continue your journey in the world of Magic, remember to consult reliable resources, practice consistently, and stay curious! Engaging with games can be a very useful learning tool, and allows users to test their problem solving skills. The Games Learning Society offers many insights into how games can be used in education. Visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.