Does Deathtouch Go Through Ward? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is: No, Deathtouch does not bypass Ward. Ward specifically taxes or counters targeted spells or abilities. Deathtouch, being a static ability that triggers when a creature with deathtouch deals damage, doesn’t target anything. Therefore, Ward’s protection mechanism doesn’t kick in. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the intricacies of Deathtouch, Ward, and their interactions within the rules of Magic: The Gathering.
Understanding Deathtouch
Deathtouch is a powerful keyword ability in Magic: The Gathering. It simplifies combat and adds a layer of threat to any creature that possesses it. Here’s the core definition:
- “Any amount of damage this creature deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.”
Essentially, if a creature with Deathtouch deals even a single point of damage to another creature, that creature is immediately destroyed (unless, of course, other effects like Indestructible are in play). Deathtouch is a static ability, meaning it’s always “on” while the creature with Deathtouch is on the battlefield. It doesn’t target; it’s a condition that modifies the result of damage dealt.
Exploring Ward
Ward is a keyword ability that provides a creature with a form of protection from targeted spells and abilities controlled by opponents.
- “Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter that spell or ability unless that player pays [cost].”
When an opponent attempts to target a creature with Ward, they must pay the specified cost (mana, life, etc.) to proceed. If they don’t, the spell or ability is countered, and the creature remains unaffected. Ward is a targeted protection mechanic.
Deathtouch vs. Ward: A Clear Distinction
The crucial difference lies in the fact that Deathtouch does not target. When a creature with Deathtouch deals damage, the destruction effect isn’t an ability that targets the damaged creature. It’s a consequence of the damage being dealt by a source with Deathtouch. Ward only triggers when a creature is targeted. Since Deathtouch doesn’t target, Ward simply isn’t relevant.
Think of it this way: Ward is like a bouncer at a club, only checking IDs at the door. Deathtouch is like a cobra’s venom; it doesn’t need to ask permission before delivering its deadly payload.
Deeper Dive: Combat and Triggered Abilities
To further illustrate the point, consider a simple combat scenario. A 2/2 creature with Deathtouch blocks a 3/3 creature with Ward.
- Combat Damage Step: Both creatures deal damage simultaneously. The 2/2 with Deathtouch deals 2 damage to the 3/3 with Ward, and the 3/3 with Ward deals 3 damage to the 2/2 with Deathtouch.
- Deathtouch Effect: Because the 3/3 with Ward was dealt damage by a source with Deathtouch, it is destroyed due to the deathtouch ability.
At no point did Deathtouch target the creature with Ward. The destruction was a direct result of the damage dealt, bypassing Ward entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Deathtouch
1. What happens if a creature has both Ward and Indestructible when damaged by Deathtouch?
Indestructible will win. A creature with Indestructible cannot be destroyed by damage, regardless of whether the damage source has Deathtouch.
2. Does Deathtouch work against a creature with Hexproof?
Yes. Hexproof prevents a creature from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Deathtouch doesn’t target, so Hexproof offers no protection.
3. Does Deathtouch affect Planeswalkers?
No, not directly. Deathtouch specifically affects creatures. To damage a Planeswalker with Deathtouch, you need a source that can redirect damage to a Planeswalker, such as an effect similar to Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence.
4. How does First Strike interact with Deathtouch?
If a creature with First Strike deals lethal damage to a creature with Deathtouch during the first combat damage step, the Deathtouch creature dies before it can deal damage. If the First Strike creature doesn’t deal lethal damage, both creatures deal damage in the regular combat damage step, and the Deathtouch will trigger, destroying the First Strike creature.
5. Can Deathtouch be stopped?
Yes. Several things can prevent Deathtouch from working, including:
- Giving the targeted creature Indestructible.
- Preventing the damage from being dealt (e.g., with a Shield Counter or Fog effect).
- Reducing the Deathtouch creature’s power to zero before combat damage is dealt.
6. Does Deathtouch work with Fight abilities?
Yes. When two creatures fight, they each deal damage to each other simultaneously. If one of the creatures has Deathtouch, any amount of damage it deals to the other creature will be lethal.
7. Does Deathtouch work with non-combat damage?
Absolutely. Deathtouch applies to any damage dealt to a creature, not just combat damage. This makes cards like Pathway Arrows or Malakir Familiar potent when paired with Deathtouch creatures.
8. Does Deathtouch trigger if a creature with Deathtouch blocks a creature with 0 power?
No. Deathtouch only destroys a creature when the source with Deathtouch deals damage. If the creature with Deathtouch isn’t dealing any damage, Deathtouch doesn’t apply.
9. If I give all my creatures Deathtouch, how does that affect combat?
Combat becomes very favorable for you. Any creature that blocks or is blocked by your creatures with Deathtouch will be destroyed if your creature deals even 1 point of damage. Be mindful of First Strike/Double Strike.
10. Can I give a spell Deathtouch?
Yes, there are cards that can grant Deathtouch to spells that deal damage, like a combat trick. These spells then have the same “destroy” effect as a creature with deathtouch would.
11. Does Deathtouch work with Lifelink?
Yes. If a creature with Deathtouch also has Lifelink, any damage it deals will both destroy the damaged creature (assuming it’s a creature) and gain you life equal to the damage dealt.
12. What happens if a creature with Deathtouch deals damage to multiple creatures at once?
Each creature that receives damage from the source with Deathtouch will be destroyed. This is particularly relevant with effects that allow a creature to deal damage to multiple targets simultaneously.
13. Does Deathtouch go through Protection from a color?
It depends. If the creature with Deathtouch is the color that the other creature has protection from, then the damage will be prevented and Deathtouch will not be in effect, since protection prevents damage. If the creature with Deathtouch isn’t the color, Deathtouch is active as normal.
14. Can you destroy an Indestructible Artifact Creature with Deathtouch?
No. Indestructible prevents destruction via damage and “destroy” effects. So, even if an artifact creature has deathtouch, Indestructible will still be in effect and prevent it from being destroyed.
15. How do Shield Counters Work Against Deathtouch?
Shield counters are very effective against Deathtouch. When a creature with a shield counter would be dealt damage, one shield counter is removed and the damage is prevented. This negates the deathtouch effect, protecting the creature.
Conclusion
Deathtouch is a potent and straightforward ability, but it’s essential to understand its interactions with other mechanics in Magic: The Gathering. While Ward offers protection from targeted spells and abilities, it doesn’t shield creatures from the deadly touch of Deathtouch. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering the game.
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