Does First Strike Nullify Deathtouch? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, first strike does not nullify deathtouch. While a creature with first strike can certainly gain an advantage in combat against a creature with deathtouch, it does not inherently negate the deathtouch ability. Instead, the interaction between these two abilities revolves around the timing of damage application in combat. Let’s delve into the intricacies of how these abilities work, and clarify how they interact with each other in Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Understanding First Strike and Deathtouch
Before we analyze their interaction, it’s crucial to understand each ability individually.
First Strike: The Advantage of Early Damage
First strike is a keyword ability that modifies how combat damage is dealt. Creatures with first strike deal their combat damage before creatures without first strike. In a typical combat step, creatures without first strike deal damage simultaneously. However, when at least one creature involved in combat possesses first strike, combat is divided into two damage steps.
The first combat damage step is solely for creatures with first strike and double strike. Any creatures with only first strike assign damage at this time. If a creature with first strike deals lethal damage to an opponent’s blocker, the blocker is destroyed before it can assign its damage in the second combat step.
Deathtouch: One Touch is All it Takes
Deathtouch, on the other hand, is a static ability that alters how combat damage is calculated. Any amount of damage dealt by a source with deathtouch is considered lethal damage. This means that if a creature with deathtouch deals even just one point of damage to another creature, the damaged creature is destroyed. It’s important to note that deathtouch does not cause damage, it only modifies the effect of damage.
The Interaction Between First Strike and Deathtouch
The critical factor in understanding how first strike interacts with deathtouch is the order in which damage is dealt. A creature with first strike will indeed deal damage first. If that creature also has deathtouch, it can destroy the opponent’s creature with even a single point of damage during the first combat damage step.
Here’s where the misunderstanding often arises: First strike does not ‘block’ deathtouch. The deathtouch ability remains active and potent. If the creature with first strike and deathtouch deals damage to a creature without first strike, that creature will be destroyed before it has a chance to deal damage of its own.
However, if the creature with deathtouch also has first strike, it will still apply its deathtouch ability during the first combat damage step. This means it does not nullify itself, and it will deal its lethal damage first.
Scenario Examples:
- First strike vs. Deathtouch: A 2/2 with first strike attacks and is blocked by a 2/2 with deathtouch. The 2/2 with first strike deals its damage first, but the 2/2 with deathtouch will survive because it takes 2 damage, not a deathtouch lethal damage during the first strike phase. Then during the regular combat phase, the 2/2 with deathtouch will deal its damage and kill the 2/2 with first strike.
- First strike and Deathtouch vs. Normal Creature: A 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch attacks and is blocked by a 2/2 without first strike. The 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch will deal damage in the first combat damage step, and the 2/2 without first strike will die. The 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch takes no damage as it’s blocker dies before it gets a chance to assign damage.
- Deathtouch with First strike vs. Deathtouch with no First Strike: A 2/2 with first strike and deathtouch attacks and is blocked by a 2/2 with deathtouch and no first strike. The 2/2 with first strike will deal its damage first, and the 2/2 with deathtouch is destroyed. The 2/2 with no first strike does not get to assign damage because the blocker is already destroyed.
In summary, first strike does not negate deathtouch; it merely changes the timing of combat damage. If a creature has both abilities, it gains an even more powerful advantage.
FAQs: Deep Dive into First Strike and Deathtouch
Let’s further clarify the nuances with some frequently asked questions:
1. Does First Strike work against Indestructible?
No, first strike does not negate indestructible. While a creature with first strike can deal damage to an indestructible creature, the indestructible creature still survives the damage. Indestructible creatures can survive any type of damage and are not destroyed from damage.
2. Does Hexproof cancel Deathtouch?
No, hexproof does not cancel deathtouch. Hexproof prevents a creature from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponent controls. Deathtouch is a static ability that changes the nature of damage dealt, and it does not target. A creature with hexproof will still be destroyed by deathtouch damage.
3. Does Indestructible Negate Deathtouch?
Yes, indestructible does negate deathtouch. A creature with indestructible cannot be destroyed, regardless of the amount of damage or if the damage comes from a source with deathtouch.
4. Does First Strike stop Trample?
Yes, first strike can stop trample if combined with deathtouch. If a creature with first strike and deathtouch blocks a trampling creature and deals lethal damage (one damage due to deathtouch) in the first combat damage step, the trampling creature will be destroyed and won’t deal any trample damage. However, if the creature with first strike doesn’t kill the trampling creature in the first damage step, trample will proceed as normal.
5. Does Fight Ignore First Strike?
Yes, the fight mechanic does ignore first strike. The damage dealt during a fight is simultaneous and not considered combat damage. Abilities like first strike or double strike won’t have any effect during fights. Deathtouch, however, does apply during the fight mechanic.
6. Does First Strike beat Lifelink?
Yes, first strike can ‘beat’ lifelink in a specific scenario. If a creature with first strike deals lethal damage to a creature with lifelink in the first combat damage step, the lifelink creature will be destroyed before it can deal its damage to gain life.
7. How does First Strike Deathtouch work with Multiple Blockers?
Deathtouch works the same regardless if multiple blockers are involved. Any creature dealt damage by a source with deathtouch will be destroyed, and multiple blockers will be damaged in order chosen by the attacking player. Each blocker only needs to be assigned one damage to be considered lethal. A creature with first strike and deathtouch will destroy all blockers during the first combat damage step, provided each blocker is dealt at least one damage.
8. Does Deathtouch work with Fight?
Yes, deathtouch does work with the fight mechanic. Any damage dealt by a creature with deathtouch will destroy the creature it’s fighting.
9. Can you Double Block First Strike?
Yes, you can double block a creature with first strike. Multiple blockers can collectively overwhelm a single attacker, even if it has first strike, by using more creatures with higher toughness. While the attacker will hit first, if its first strike does not kill the defender(s), then those blockers will hit the attacker in the second step of combat.
10. Does Shroud Protect from Deathtouch?
No, shroud does not protect from deathtouch. Similar to hexproof, shroud only prevents the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities and deathtouch is not considered a targeted effect.
11. Does Protection beat Deathtouch?
Yes, protection can beat deathtouch. If a creature has protection from a specific color, it prevents all damage from sources of that color. This means that if the creature with deathtouch is of that color, it will not be able to deal damage to the creature with protection from that color.
12. Does Deathtouch apply Poison Counters?
Only if specified. Deathtouch itself does not directly give poison counters. However, some cards with deathtouch, like Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, can cause a player to get poison counters when the creature deals combat damage.
13. Can you Ninjutsu after First Strike Damage?
Yes, you can use Ninjutsu after the first combat damage step. The ninja that comes into play will be able to deal damage in the regular combat damage step and will have any applicable effects, such as first strike.
14. Is Double Strike Also First Strike?
No, double strike is not also first strike, however, they deal damage at the same time during the first combat damage step. Double strike allows a creature to deal damage in the first damage step and again in the regular damage step. Effects that make a creature lose first strike won’t affect double strike.
15. Does Deathtouch work with 0 Damage?
No, deathtouch does not work with 0 damage. A creature with 0 power will not deal any damage, even if it has deathtouch. If the creature deals no damage, it does not apply its deathtouch ability.
Conclusion
While first strike offers a significant advantage in combat by dealing damage first, it does not nullify the lethal effect of deathtouch. When used together, these abilities amplify each other, creating a formidable threat on the battlefield. Understanding the nuances of their interaction, along with the other commonly confused mechanics, is crucial to mastering MTG. Use this comprehensive guide to inform your strategies and emerge victorious in your future games.