Decoding Hexproof: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Interaction with Sorceries and More
Does Hexproof stop sorceries? The straightforward answer is no, not entirely. Hexproof prevents a permanent or player from being the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. Therefore, if a sorcery doesn’t target a creature or player with Hexproof, the Hexproof ability provides no protection. The key is understanding the difference between targeting and non-targeting effects. Many sorceries, such as board wipes or effects that force sacrifices, bypass Hexproof entirely. Let’s delve deeper and unravel the nuances of Hexproof and its interactions within Magic: The Gathering.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Hexproof
What is Hexproof?
Hexproof is a keyword ability that provides a significant layer of defense in Magic: The Gathering. It essentially makes a permanent (usually a creature) or player immune to being the target of spells or abilities controlled by their opponents. Think of it as an invisible shield that deflects direct attacks, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations.
Targeting vs. Non-Targeting Effects
The core of understanding Hexproof lies in distinguishing between targeting and non-targeting effects.
- Targeting effects: These explicitly state “target” in their rules text. For example, a card might say, “Destroy target creature.” Hexproof completely negates this, rendering the Hexproof creature immune to the effect.
- Non-Targeting effects: These do not use the word “target” and often affect multiple permanents simultaneously. Examples include board wipes like “Wrath of God,” which destroys all creatures, or effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature. Hexproof provides no protection against these types of effects.
Hexproof and Sorceries: A Detailed Look
How Sorceries Interact with Hexproof
Sorceries are powerful spells cast during your main phase, and their interaction with Hexproof varies depending on whether they target.
- Sorceries that Target: If a sorcery targets a creature or player you control with Hexproof, the spell is an illegal target and cannot be cast targeting that permanent.
- Sorceries that Don’t Target: Sorceries that do not target, such as board wipes, sacrifice effects (targeting the player not the creature), or global buffs, will affect Hexproof creatures and players.
Examples of Sorceries Bypassing Hexproof
- Wrath of God: As mentioned earlier, this iconic sorcery destroys all creatures on the battlefield. Because it doesn’t target, Hexproof offers no protection.
- Damnation: Similar to Wrath of God, Damnation destroys all creatures, bypassing Hexproof.
- Innocent Blood: This sorcery forces each player to sacrifice a creature. Although the creatures are being sac’d, the sorcery is targeting the player and not the creature, so a hexproof creature still has to be sac’d.
Examples of Sorceries Blocked by Hexproof
- Murder: This simple and direct removal spell destroys “target creature.” If a creature has Hexproof, Murder cannot target it.
- Lightning Bolt: If cast at “target player”, a creature with Hexproof will protect it’s player from being damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hexproof
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Hexproof:
1. Does Hexproof protect against all removal?
No. Hexproof only protects against spells and abilities that target the permanent or player with Hexproof. Non-targeting removal, like board wipes, are unaffected.
2. Can I target my own creatures with Hexproof?
Yes, Hexproof only prevents opponents from targeting the permanent or player with Hexproof. You can still target your own Hexproof creatures with spells and abilities you control.
3. Does Hexproof stop enchantments from being attached?
Hexproof prevents a creature from being the target of the Aura spell. Once the enchantment is attached, Hexproof doesn’t cause it to fall off.
4. Does Hexproof prevent blocking?
No. Blocking does not involve targeting. A creature with Hexproof can still be blocked by your opponent’s creatures.
5. Is Hexproof better than indestructible?
Both are powerful defensive abilities, but they protect against different things. Indestructible prevents destruction but not exile or sacrifice. Hexproof prevents targeting but not board wipes. The “better” ability depends on the context of the game.
6. Does Hexproof protect against planeswalker abilities?
Planeswalker abilities are activated abilities. If an opponent’s planeswalker ability targets a player with Hexproof or creature with Hexproof, Hexproof prevents the ability from being used.
7. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?
Hexproof does not make a creature immune to abilities, it just makes them unable to be targetted by an opponent’s spells or abilities. As deathtouch does not target, the creature with hexproof will still be affected.
8. Can a counterspell counter a creature with Hexproof?
Hexproof applies to permanents on the battlefield and to players. It does not extend to spells on the stack. Therefore, a creature spell can still be countered, even if the resulting creature would have Hexproof.
9. How do I deal with a creature that has both Hexproof and Indestructible?
The most effective ways to deal with a creature that has both Hexproof and Indestructible are through effects that force a player to sacrifice the creature or through effects that give creatures -X/-X until their toughness is zero.
10. Does Hexproof stop auras controlled by my opponents?
Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting a creature with an Aura spell. However, if an Aura is already attached, giving the creature Hexproof will not cause the Aura to fall off.
11. Can I give a creature Hexproof in response to a removal spell?
Yes, you can respond to a removal spell by giving your creature Hexproof. If the removal spell targets, it will be countered upon resolution because its target is now illegal.
12. Does Hexproof protect from curses?
No. Curses target players, not creatures. Hexproof on a creature will not protect you from a Curse.
13. What’s the difference between Hexproof and Shroud?
Hexproof prevents your opponents from targeting a permanent, while Shroud prevents anyone from targeting it, including you.
14. If a creature has Hexproof from White, can it be targeted by white spells I control?
No, Hexproof from White means that the creature cannot be the target of white spells or abilities, even those you control.
15. Does Hexproof protect against discard spells?
Hexproof does not protect against discard spells. Discard spells target players, forcing them to discard cards from their hand. The Hexproof ability only applies to permanents.
Strategic Implications of Hexproof
Hexproof creatures can be powerful assets in a game, but they are not invincible. Smart players will find ways to play around Hexproof by using non-targeting removal, sacrifice effects, or other strategies. It is crucial to build a deck with a variety of answers to different threats, including those with Hexproof.
Hexproof is a complex keyword ability with a wide range of interactions in Magic: The Gathering. By understanding the basics of targeting versus non-targeting effects, you can effectively utilize Hexproof to protect your creatures and players, while also knowing how to play around it when facing an opponent who controls Hexproof creatures. Mastering the nuances of Hexproof can significantly improve your gameplay and strategic decision-making.
To further explore the world of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.