Deathtouch and Poison Counters: Separating Venom from Lethality in MTG
Deathtouch does not, in and of itself, deal poison counters. Deathtouch is a static ability that modifies how combat damage is applied, making even a single point of damage lethal to a creature. Poison counters, on the other hand, are a specific game mechanic that cause a player to lose the game upon accumulating a certain number (typically 10 in most formats). While some cards combine deathtouch with the ability to give poison counters, deathtouch itself is unrelated to the poison mechanic.
Deathtouch Explained
Deathtouch is a keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering that dramatically alters the outcome of combat. Specifically, it states: “Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.” This means a creature with deathtouch only needs to deal 1 damage to another creature to destroy it, regardless of the defending creature’s toughness or other damage prevention effects (except for indestructible). Deathtouch focuses solely on creature destruction.
Poison Counters Explained
Poison counters are a form of alternative win condition in MTG. In most formats, if a player accumulates ten or more poison counters, they immediately lose the game. Poison counters are typically dealt by creatures with the Infect or Toxic abilities, or triggered abilities, or specific spell effects. Poison is all about player elimination through a different means than life point reduction.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion arises because some cards combine the deathtouch ability with abilities that grant poison counters. A prime example is Acidic Slime, which destroys an artifact, enchantment, or land upon entering the battlefield, and has deathtouch. However, Acidic Slime’s deathtouch isn’t directly causing poison counters.
Another example is the card mentioned in the original text of this document: “Whenever a creature you control with deathtouch deals combat damage to a player, that player gets two poison counters.” This is a specific effect that applies because the creature has deathtouch, but the deathtouch itself doesn’t inherently grant this ability. It needs to be specifically stated on the card. This means the combination of deathtouch with the effect is the cause.
Separating the Mechanics
It’s crucial to understand that these are separate mechanics:
- Deathtouch: Makes combat damage lethal to creatures.
- Poison Counters: Accumulated by players, leading to a loss if a threshold is reached.
- Infect: Causes creatures to deal damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters, and to players in the form of poison counters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if a creature with deathtouch deals damage to a creature with indestructible?
The indestructible creature survives. Indestructible means a permanent cannot be destroyed by damage or “destroy” effects. Deathtouch makes damage lethal, but it doesn’t bypass indestructibility.
2. Can deathtouch kill a creature with protection?
Deathtouch doesn’t bypass protection. Protection prevents damage from a specified source (e.g., “protection from black”). If a creature has protection from the color of the deathtouch creature, the damage is prevented, and the creature survives.
3. Does deathtouch work with 0 power?
No. If a creature has 0 power, it deals 0 damage. Deathtouch only applies when damage is actually dealt. No damage, no destruction.
4. Can I give my deathtouch creature infect? What happens?
Yes, you can. If a creature has both deathtouch and infect, it will deal damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters (enough to destroy them, thanks to deathtouch), and to players in the form of poison counters.
5. Can I proliferate poison counters?
Yes. Proliferate allows you to add an additional counter of any type already present on permanents and/or players. You can use proliferate to increase the number of poison counters a player has.
6. Does hexproof stop deathtouch?
No. Hexproof only prevents a creature from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Deathtouch is an ability that modifies the effect of damage, not an ability that targets.
7. How do I get rid of poison counters?
Currently, there are very few ways to remove poison counters in Magic: The Gathering. Historically, Leeches is the most common. A card mentioned in the original text, Karn Liberated, can functionally remove them by restarting the game (but that’s a drastic measure!). A few other cards remove poison counters, but only from opponents, not yourself.
8. Is there a creature with both deathtouch and infect?
Yes, there are multiple creatures with both deathtouch and infect. This is a potent combination, making them deadly attackers.
9. What’s the difference between Toxic and Poisonous?
Toxic is a static ability that adds poison counters to a player when a creature with toxic deals combat damage to that player. Poisonous is a triggered ability that does the same. They achieve the same result: giving opponents poison counters.
10. Can I use deathtouch to kill a planeswalker?
Yes. Deathtouch applies to combat damage. You can attack a planeswalker with a creature with deathtouch, and any amount of damage dealt will be considered lethal damage.
11. If I have multiple creatures with deathtouch, do I need to assign lethal damage from each one?
Yes. When assigning combat damage, you must assign lethal damage (in this case, 1 damage) from each creature with deathtouch that is dealing damage.
12. Does first strike or double strike affect deathtouch?
Yes. With first strike or double strike, a creature with deathtouch can destroy a creature before it has a chance to deal damage back, effectively winning the combat.
13. Can I give a creature deathtouch with an equipment or aura?
Yes, many cards can grant deathtouch, such as Basilisk Collar. This is a common strategy for turning weaker creatures into threats.
14. What are some strategies for dealing with poison decks?
As mentioned earlier, strategies for dealing with poison decks include:
- Killing them quickly: Race them before they can accumulate enough poison counters.
- Interaction: Use removal spells to eliminate creatures that deal poison counters.
- Specific hate cards: Cards like Solemnity can prevent players from getting counters in the first place.
15. Where can I learn more about Magic: The Gathering mechanics?
You can learn more about Magic: The Gathering and its various mechanics through the official Wizards of the Coast website, various online communities, and educational resources like those offered by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education, providing valuable insights into how games like Magic: The Gathering can be used for learning and skill development.
Conclusion
Deathtouch is a powerful ability that makes combat damage lethal. However, it does not inherently deal poison counters. The confusion arises from cards that combine deathtouch with other abilities that grant poison counters. Understanding the distinction between these mechanics is essential for playing Magic: The Gathering effectively. By recognizing how deathtouch functions and how it interacts (or doesn’t interact) with other mechanics, you can make more informed decisions and build more effective decks.