Decoding Hexproof: Does “Each” Spell Doom?
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The short answer is: no, “each” does not circumvent Hexproof. Hexproof only prevents targeting. If a spell or ability affects “each” creature or player, it doesn’t target anything specifically, and therefore bypasses Hexproof. Think of it like a general broadcast versus a direct phone call – Hexproof only blocks the direct calls.
Let’s delve deeper into this crucial Magic: The Gathering concept and clear up some common misconceptions. Hexproof is a powerful ability, but it’s often misunderstood, especially when dealing with spells that affect multiple permanents. The key is to understand the precise definition of “targeting” in the context of the game. Spells or abilities need to use the word “target” to be affected by hexproof. Aura spells also target.
Understanding Hexproof: The Foundation
At its core, Hexproof grants a permanent, like a creature, immunity to targeted spells and abilities controlled by your opponents. This means your opponent can’t use a card like “Lightning Bolt” to directly fry your Hexproof creature. It provides a robust layer of protection, allowing you to build up a strategy around a key permanent without fearing immediate removal.
However, Hexproof isn’t a magical shield against everything. It has limitations, which are crucial to understand for effective deck building and gameplay.
The “Each” Distinction: Why It Matters
The word “each” is often found in spells that affect multiple permanents simultaneously. Cards like “Wrath of God,” which says “Destroy all creatures,” don’t target. They simply apply a blanket effect to the entire board. Because there’s no targeting involved, Hexproof offers absolutely no protection.
Spells using “each” will typically affect the entire board, so your hexproof card will be targeted, regardless if it has hexproof or not.
Hexproof vs. Protection: A Common Confusion
Many players confuse Hexproof with Protection, but they are significantly different. Protection prevents Damage, Enchanting/Equipping, Blocking, and Targeting. Protection from x means that you can not be damaged, blocked, enchanted/equipped, or targeted by x.
Hexproof only prevents targeting by opponents spells or abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hexproof
To further clarify the nuances of Hexproof, here are 15 frequently asked questions, designed to cover various scenarios and edge cases:
1. What exactly does Hexproof protect against?
Hexproof protects a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. This includes instants, sorceries, creature abilities, and triggered abilities that specifically target that permanent or player. The spell must target the creature directly.
2. Does Hexproof stop board wipes like “Damnation”?
No. Board wipes, like “Damnation” or “Wrath of God,” that destroy all creatures don’t target individual creatures. They affect the entire battlefield, bypassing Hexproof entirely.
3. Can my opponent force me to sacrifice my Hexproof creature?
Yes. Sacrifice effects, like those found on cards like “Diabolic Edict,” force a player to sacrifice a creature. They target the player, not the creature, so Hexproof offers no protection.
4. Does Deathtouch get around Hexproof?
Yes. Deathtouch is a static ability that affects combat damage. Since combat damage does not target, Deathtouch will kill a Hexproof creature.
5. If a card says “Destroy target creature,” will it work on a Hexproof creature?
No. This is the most straightforward application of Hexproof. The phrase “target creature” indicates that the spell directly targets, and Hexproof prevents this.
6. Can I target my own Hexproof creatures with beneficial spells?
Yes! Hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting the permanent. You can still target your own Hexproof creatures with spells and abilities.
7. Does Hexproof prevent an opponent from attacking my Hexproof creature?
No. Attacking does not target. Hexproof only stops targeting of spells or abilities. Your Hexproof creature can still be blocked and dealt combat damage.
8. Can my opponent copy my Hexproof creature?
Yes. Clone effects, like “Cursed Mirror,” don’t target. They create a copy of the creature without directly targeting the original.
9. Does Hexproof stop a spell that returns a creature to its owner’s hand?
Only if that spell targets the creature. If a spell has the word “target” within the description, it does not work. Spells that return all creatures to their owner’s hand will bypass Hexproof.
10. Can I exile a Hexproof creature?
If the ability or spell is targeting the creature, then no. There are cards that can exile all the creatures on the board without targeting particular creatures.
11. How does Hexproof interact with Auras?
Aura spells, when cast, do target the permanent they’re enchanting. Therefore, an opponent cannot attach an Aura to your Hexproof creature.
12. What happens if my opponent casts a spell that targets a player, and that player has a Hexproof creature?
The spell affects the player as intended. Hexproof on a creature only protects the creature itself, not the player controlling it.
13. If my opponent has a Hexproof creature, can I use an ability that gives all creatures -1/-1 until end of turn?
Yes. This ability doesn’t target any specific creature; it affects all creatures on the battlefield.
14. Can my opponent equip an equipment to my Hexproof creature?
No. Equipping the equipment will not target the creature, but casting the equip spell will target. Equipping an equipment to a creature uses the “Target” keyword and will not work on Hexproof.
15. Is Hexproof better than Indestructible?
It depends on the situation. Indestructible protects against destruction effects and damage, while Hexproof protects against targeted spells and abilities. Indestructible is vulnerable to exile effects and sacrifice effects, while Hexproof is vulnerable to board wipes and non-targeting removal. Both are powerful, and their relative value depends on the metagame and your deck’s strategy. For example, if the meta contains many edict effects, Hexproof may be superior to Indestructible because you are not forced to sacrifice your Hexproof creatures.
Beyond the Basics: Strategic Considerations
Understanding how “each” interacts with Hexproof opens up strategic avenues. Here are some considerations:
- Board Wipe Reliance: If you anticipate facing decks with Hexproof creatures, incorporating board wipes into your strategy becomes crucial.
- Sacrifice Effects: Edict-style effects that force opponents to sacrifice creatures are effective answers to Hexproof threats.
- Non-Targeted Removal: Explore other forms of non-targeted removal, such as exiling all creatures or applying global debuffs, to deal with Hexproof effectively.
Learning and Growing in Magic
Mastering the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering takes time and dedication. Resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer valuable insights into the game’s design, strategy, and community. Engaging with these resources will help you hone your skills and deepen your understanding of complex interactions like those involving Hexproof and “each.” The Games Learning Society fosters a vibrant community dedicated to exploring games and their educational potential.
Conclusion: Embrace the Nuances
Hexproof is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to understand its limitations. The word “each” is a critical indicator that a spell or ability bypasses Hexproof’s protection. By grasping this distinction and exploring the diverse range of interactions involving Hexproof, you can make more informed decisions, build stronger decks, and ultimately become a more skilled Magic: The Gathering player.