Does Deathtouch Still Work Against First Strike?
Deathtouch still works against first strike, but only if the creature with deathtouch is able to deal damage to the creature with first strike, which typically requires the deathtouch creature to have a way to survive the first strike damage or to have double strike itself. In a combat scenario, if a creature with first strike attacks and is blocked by a creature with deathtouch, the first strike creature will deal its damage first, potentially killing the deathtouch creature before it has a chance to deal its damage.
Understanding Deathtouch and First Strike
To understand how deathtouch and first strike interact, it’s essential to know what each ability does: deathtouch causes any amount of damage from the source to be lethal, while first strike allows a creature to deal its combat damage before other creatures.
Interaction Between Deathtouch and First Strike
Given this, if a creature with first strike attacks a creature with deathtouch, the first strike creature will deal its damage first. If this damage is enough to kill the deathtouch creature, then the deathtouch creature dies before it can deal any damage. However, if the deathtouch creature survives the first strike damage or if it also has first strike or double strike, allowing it to deal damage at the same time or before the first strike creature, then its deathtouch ability can still trigger, killing the first strike creature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Deathtouch Kill Indestructible? Indestructible creatures are immune to deathtouch because deathtouch destroys a creature that has been dealt damage, but indestructible creatures cannot be destroyed.
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How Does First Strike Work Against Indestructible? First strike does not get around indestructible; these creatures can survive any type of damage.
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Does Hexproof Stop Deathtouch? No, hexproof does not prevent deathtouch because deathtouch does not target.
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Does Double Strike Count as First Strike? No, double strike is not the same as first strike, although creatures with double strike do deal combat damage in the first strike damage step.
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What is the Rule 702.7 in Magic The Gathering? Rule 702.7 refers to first strike and how it modifies the combat damage step, ensuring creatures with first strike deal damage before others.
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Does a Creature with First Strike Take Damage? A creature with first strike can take damage, but it deals its damage before a creature without first strike, potentially killing the blocker before it can deal damage back.
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Can You Use Deathtouch and First Strike on the Same Creature? Yes, a creature can have both deathtouch and first strike, and these abilities complement each other well in combat.
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What Happens if Double Strike Kills on First Strike? If a double strike creature kills its blocker during the first strike step, the regular damage is never applied.
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Does Deathtouch Work with Fight? Yes, deathtouch works with fighting effects; anytime a deathtouch creature deals damage, deathtouch can trigger.
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Does Deathtouch Beat Protection? Deathtouch can beat some forms of protection if the protection prevents damage from being dealt, but protection from a specific color or creature type can still prevent deathtouch from working.
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Does Deathtouch Work with Non-Combat Damage? Yes, deathtouch checks any damage, not just combat damage, making it effective in various scenarios.
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Does First Strike Deathtouch Negate Trample? Deathtouch can prevent trample if the deathtouch creature kills the blocker before it can deal damage, but this requires first strike or double strike.
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What is the Rule 614.12 in Magic? Rule 614.12 discusses replacement effects that modify how a permanent enters the battlefield.
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Can You Have Double Strike Twice? No, multiple instances of double strike (or first strike) on the same creature are redundant.
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Is There a Card That Gives All Creatures Deathtouch? Yes, cards like Venom Connoisseur can give creatures deathtouch under certain conditions, providing a strategic advantage in combat.
Understanding the interactions between deathtouch, first strike, and other abilities like indestructible and hexproof is crucial for strategizing in Magic: The Gathering. By mastering these interactions, players can create powerful combinations that outmaneuver their opponents.