Deathtouch and Fight: A Deadly Combination in Magic: The Gathering
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Does Deathtouch work with fight? Absolutely! When a creature with Deathtouch fights another creature, any damage dealt by the creature with Deathtouch is considered lethal, regardless of the target creature’s toughness. This interaction can lead to some very satisfying, albeit brutal, plays in Magic: The Gathering. It’s a simple concept, but its implications extend to a variety of in-game scenarios. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of Deathtouch in the context of fighting and related mechanics.
Understanding Deathtouch and Fight
Before we delve into the FAQs, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with the core concepts. Deathtouch is a static ability that states that any amount of damage dealt by a source with Deathtouch to a creature is enough to destroy it. The Fight mechanic, introduced in the Innistrad block, allows two creatures to simultaneously deal damage to each other. Critically, damage dealt during a fight is not combat damage.
The key here is that Deathtouch triggers whenever damage is dealt, regardless of how that damage is dealt. Thus, if a 1/1 creature with Deathtouch fights a 5/5 creature, the 1/1 will deal 1 damage, which is enough to destroy the 5/5. The 5/5, in turn, will deal 5 damage to the 1/1, and because no regeneration or indestructible is happening, the 1/1 will also be destroyed. Both creatures die!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deathtouch and Related Mechanics
Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s explore some common questions that arise when dealing with Deathtouch and its interactions with other abilities in Magic: The Gathering.
Does Deathtouch Work with Combat Damage?
Yes, absolutely. Deathtouch works whenever a creature with the ability deals damage, whether it’s through combat, fighting, or activated abilities that deal damage. The rule is simple: damage + Deathtouch = destruction.
Does Deathtouch Work If Combat Damage is Prevented?
No. If all the damage from a source with Deathtouch is prevented, then the Deathtouch ability doesn’t trigger. The damage must actually be dealt for Deathtouch to take effect. A card like “Fog” that prevents all combat damage will effectively negate Deathtouch during combat.
What Wins: Indestructible vs. Deathtouch?
Indestructible wins. A creature with Indestructible cannot be destroyed by damage or effects that say “destroy.” Since Deathtouch destroys a creature by virtue of damage, Indestructible effectively nullifies it. A Darksteel Myr is immune to a deathtouch creature like Ambush Viper.
Does Deathtouch Beat Protection?
It depends. Protection prevents damage, targeting, enchanting/equipping, and blocking from the specified source (e.g., “Protection from Green”). If the creature has protection from the color of the Deathtouch creature, the damage is prevented, and Deathtouch doesn’t trigger. If not, Deathtouch applies as normal.
What Beats Deathtouch?
Several things can effectively counter Deathtouch.
- Indestructible: As mentioned above, creatures with Indestructible are immune to Deathtouch.
- Protection: If the target has protection from the color of the Deathtouch creature.
- Damage Prevention: Effects that prevent damage negate Deathtouch.
- First Strike/Double Strike: In combat, a creature with First Strike or Double Strike might kill the Deathtouch creature before it can deal damage.
- Removal Spells: Simply destroying or exiling the Deathtouch creature before it can do anything.
- Shield Counters: Shield counters prevent damage and are removed instead.
Does First Strike Beat Deathtouch?
Yes, often. If a creature with First Strike deals lethal damage to a Deathtouch creature in the first combat damage step, the Deathtouch creature will be destroyed before it has a chance to deal damage in the regular combat damage step.
Does Hexproof Stop Deathtouch?
No. Hexproof only prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. Deathtouch doesn’t target; it’s a triggered effect based on damage being dealt.
Why Would a Tapped Creature Need Deathtouch?
There are cards that grant Deathtouch to other creatures you control (such as a creature that says “Other tapped creatures you control have deathtouch”). This makes them more difficult to block. Furthermore, Deathtouch combines extremely well with Trample, as you only need to assign one damage to each blocking creature for them to be destroyed and the rest of the trample damage goes through.
Does Regenerate Counter Deathtouch?
Yes, one regeneration shield is enough to prevent both the damage and the destruction caused by Deathtouch. If the creature has a regeneration ability, activating it will prevent the creature from being destroyed.
Is Deathtouch Excess Damage?
Not exactly. Even 1 damage from a source with Deathtouch is considered lethal. Any damage beyond that doesn’t have any special effect related to Deathtouch, but it might matter for other abilities, like trample.
Can Deathtouch Block Flying Creatures?
Yes. Any creature can block a flying creature, but only creatures with Flying or Reach can block other flying creatures. If a ground creature with Deathtouch blocks a flying creature, the flying creature will be destroyed if the Deathtouch creature deals damage to it.
Does Trample Work with Fight?
No. Trample only matters during combat damage. During a fight, the damage is not combat damage, so Trample has no effect. However, Deathtouch and Lifelink function normally during fights.
Does Deathtouch Affect Planeswalkers?
No, Deathtouch only affects creatures. To damage planeswalkers effectively, you need abilities that specifically target planeswalkers or redirect damage to them. Deathtouch will have no effect on a planeswalker.
Does Double Strike Cancel Deathtouch?
Similar to First Strike, a creature with Double Strike can potentially destroy the Deathtouch creature in the first combat damage step, preventing it from dealing damage in the regular combat damage step.
Is There a Card That Gives All Creatures Deathtouch?
Yes, there are cards that can grant all creatures you control Deathtouch, even if it is just until the end of the turn. For example, Venom Connoisseur has an ability that gives all creatures you control Deathtouch until end of turn if it is the second time another creature entered the battlefield under your control this turn. There may be other similar cards as well.
Deathtouch: A Powerful Tool
In conclusion, Deathtouch is a powerful and versatile ability in Magic: The Gathering. It’s effective in combat, during fights, and even with triggered abilities that deal damage. Understanding how Deathtouch interacts with other abilities is crucial for both strategic deck building and effective gameplay. Keep these FAQs in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to wield the power of Deathtouch on the battlefield.
To further your understanding of games and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website for insightful research and resources: GamesLearningSociety.org.