Does Deathtouch One-Shot Planeswalkers? A Comprehensive MTG Guide
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Deathtouch is a powerful ability in Magic: The Gathering, turning even the smallest creatures into lethal threats. But can this potent ability instantly eliminate a Planeswalker? The answer is a resounding no. While a creature with deathtouch can destroy another creature by dealing it any amount of damage (greater than zero), this effect does not apply to Planeswalkers. Planeswalkers are not creatures; they are a distinct card type, and they lose loyalty counters when dealt damage, rather than being destroyed outright by damage from a source with deathtouch.
Understanding Deathtouch and Planeswalkers
To understand why deathtouch doesn’t affect Planeswalkers in this way, it’s crucial to understand how the ability works and how Planeswalkers take “damage.”
The Mechanics of Deathtouch
Deathtouch is a static ability that modifies the result of combat damage. In essence, it states that any amount of damage dealt by a source with deathtouch to a creature is enough to destroy that creature (unless it has indestructible). The key word here is “creature.”
Planeswalkers and Loyalty
Planeswalkers enter the battlefield with a certain number of loyalty counters. These counters represent the Planeswalker’s resilience and ability to use its unique abilities. Instead of taking damage, Planeswalkers lose loyalty counters when they are attacked or targeted by spells that deal damage. A Planeswalker is sent to the graveyard when it has zero loyalty counters, but this is a consequence of state-based actions, not directly due to deathtouch.
Why Deathtouch Doesn’t Work
Because deathtouch specifically targets creatures, its ability to destroy does not extend to Planeswalkers. Damage dealt to a Planeswalker, whether from a creature with deathtouch or not, simply removes loyalty counters. If you want to get rid of a planeswalker, you’re going to have to attack it, or find a way to directly reduce its loyalty. Or, you can use abilities like Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, which specifically targets a planeswalker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Direct Damage Spells with Deathtouch Affect Planeswalkers?
Some spells can be given deathtouch. While a spell with deathtouch cannot directly destroy a Planeswalker, any damage it deals will still remove loyalty counters. The deathtouch ability only matters if it is dealing damage to a creature.
2. Can I Redirect Damage from a Deathtouch Creature to a Planeswalker?
Yes, you can. If an opponent attacks you with a creature with deathtouch, you can redirect that damage to a Planeswalker you control. The Planeswalker will lose loyalty counters equal to the damage redirected, but it will not be instantly destroyed by deathtouch.
3. What Are Some Common Ways to Get Rid of Planeswalkers?
Common methods include attacking them with creatures, using spells that specifically target Planeswalkers for removal (like “Murderous Rider”), or using spells that can target any permanent on the battlefield. Some Planeswalker abilities can also directly reduce the loyalty of opposing Planeswalkers.
4. Does Indestructible Protect a Planeswalker From Losing Loyalty?
No. Indestructible prevents a permanent from being destroyed, but losing loyalty counters and being put into the graveyard when those counters reach zero is not destruction. An indestructible Planeswalker will still be sent to the graveyard when it has no loyalty counters left.
5. Does Hexproof Prevent My Opponent from Attacking My Planeswalker?
Hexproof only prevents a permanent from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. It does not prevent creatures from attacking your Planeswalker. The attacking player declares which planeswalker is under attack.
6. Can a Creature with Deathtouch Block a Planeswalker?
Creatures cannot block Planeswalkers. Blocking only occurs during the combat phase when a creature is declared as a blocker against an attacking creature. Planeswalkers are not creatures, so they cannot be blocked.
7. If My Opponent Controls a Planeswalker and I Have a Deathtouch Creature, Should I Attack the Planeswalker or the Player?
This depends on your strategy and the game state. If you need to remove the Planeswalker quickly, attacking it directly is the best option. However, attacking the player might be beneficial if you want to conserve your creatures or pressure your opponent in other ways.
8. Can I Give a Planeswalker Deathtouch?
There are no cards that directly grant Planeswalkers deathtouch. Deathtouch is primarily an ability associated with creatures. However, some abilities, like that of Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, can give other abilities that cause a source to kill a planeswalker.
9. Does First Strike Help Against a Creature Attacking My Planeswalker?
First strike is relevant when creatures are battling each other. If a creature with first strike blocks a creature attacking your Planeswalker, the first strike creature will deal its damage first. If that damage is lethal, the attacking creature will die before it can deal damage to the Planeswalker.
10. What Happens if a Planeswalker with Zero Loyalty Has Indestructible?
Even with indestructible, a Planeswalker with zero loyalty counters is still put into the graveyard as a state-based action. Indestructible prevents destruction, but being removed due to having zero loyalty is a different game mechanic.
11. Can I Use a Creature with Deathtouch to Protect My Planeswalker?
Yes, you can use a creature with deathtouch to block a creature attacking your Planeswalker. Any creature blocked by the creature with deathtouch will be destroyed due to the deathtouch ability.
12. Is There a Way to Prevent Damage to Planeswalkers?
Yes, there are cards and abilities that can prevent damage to Planeswalkers. Some spells can grant hexproof to Planeswalkers, making them untargetable by your opponents’ spells and abilities. Other effects might redirect damage away from your Planeswalker to another target.
13. Does Double Strike Affect Combat Against Planeswalkers?
Yes, double strike still applies when blocking a creature attacking a Planeswalker. A creature with double strike deals combat damage twice, potentially destroying the attacking creature before it can damage the Planeswalker.
14. Are There Any Planeswalkers That Interact With Deathtouch?
Yes, Vraska is the most popular. Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence gives all of your creatures with deathtouch the added ability that the deathtouch allows for killing planeswalkers too.
15. Why Is It Important to Understand the Nuances of Deathtouch and Planeswalkers?
Understanding these interactions is crucial for strategic gameplay. Knowing how deathtouch works, its limitations, and how it interacts with other abilities allows you to make informed decisions during gameplay, build effective decks, and outmaneuver your opponents. For those looking to delve deeper into the strategic aspects of gaming and learning, resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable insights.
In conclusion, while deathtouch is a formidable ability in Magic: The Gathering, it does not one-shot Planeswalkers. Understanding these nuances is critical for mastering the game and making informed decisions during gameplay.