Does Indestructible Prevent 0/0? Unraveling the Magic’s Intricacies

The short answer is no. While indestructible is a powerful keyword in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), it doesn’t protect a creature from having its toughness reduced to zero. A creature with 0 toughness is put into the graveyard as a state-based action, which is distinct from being destroyed. This distinction is crucial, as indestructible only protects against destruction effects and lethal damage. Think of it like this: indestructible armor can’t stop gravity from pulling you down if the floor disappears beneath you.

The Nuances of Indestructible

Indestructible is one of the most coveted keywords in Magic. It means that “destroy” effects and lethal damage simply have no effect on the permanent. A creature with indestructible can shrug off board wipes like “Wrath of God” that specifically destroy all creatures. It can also survive combat against creatures with deathtouch, because while it takes damage, it won’t be destroyed as a result.

However, indestructible has its limits. It doesn’t prevent the following:

• Exile: Effects that exile a permanent remove it from the game entirely, bypassing indestructible. “Swords to Plowshares” is a classic example.

• Sacrifice: If you are forced to sacrifice a permanent with indestructible, you must do so. Indestructible only prevents your opponents from destroying it.

• Negative Toughness: This is where the 0/0 interaction comes in. If a creature’s toughness is reduced to zero or less, it is put into the graveyard as a state-based action. This isn’t considered destruction, so indestructible doesn’t protect against it.

State-Based Actions and Zero Toughness

State-based actions are rules that the game automatically enforces. One of these rules says that if a creature has 0 or less toughness, it is immediately put into its owner’s graveyard. This happens even if the creature has indestructible. The key is that the creature isn’t being destroyed by a spell or ability; it’s being removed from the battlefield by a fundamental rule of the game.

Consider cards like “Grasp of Darkness” which gives a creature -4/-4 until end of turn. If a creature had 4 toughness and indestructible, Grasp of Darkness would drop the toughness to 0 and the creature would die, despite being indestructible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding indestructible and related mechanics in MTG:

1. What exactly does indestructible protect against?

Indestructible protects a permanent from being destroyed by effects that say “destroy,” including lethal damage (damage equal to or greater than a creature’s toughness) and deathtouch.

2. Can deathtouch kill an indestructible creature?

No. Deathtouch causes any amount of damage to be considered lethal damage. However, indestructible specifically prevents creatures from being killed by lethal damage. In essence, indestructible trumps deathtouch.

3. Can an indestructible creature still be exiled?

Yes. Exile is a completely different mechanic from destruction. Indestructible only protects against destruction effects, not exile.

4. Does a board wipe affect indestructible creatures?

It depends on the board wipe. If the board wipe says “destroy all creatures,” it won’t affect indestructible creatures. However, if the board wipe exiles all creatures or reduces their toughness to zero, it will affect indestructible creatures.

5. If a creature with indestructible has -1/-1 counters put on it, will it die?

Yes, if the total number of -1/-1 counters reduces the creature’s toughness to zero or less, it will die, even with indestructible. Indestructible doesn’t prevent negative counters from being applied.

6. What’s the difference between indestructible and hexproof?

Indestructible prevents destruction, while hexproof prevents the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities your opponents control. They protect against different threats.

7. Is there anything indestructible on Earth?

While nothing is truly indestructible, the tardigrade, or “water bear,” is remarkably resilient. It can survive extreme conditions, including radiation, dehydration, and even the vacuum of space. They’re fascinating creatures that showcase the incredible adaptability of life.

8. Can a creature with 0 power deal damage?

No, a creature with 0 power deals no damage in combat.

9. Can you block with a 0/0 creature?

No. A creature with 0 toughness will immediately die as a state-based action, before it can be declared as a blocker.

10. What if I give a creature indestructible after it has 0 toughness?

Unfortunately, it’s too late. State-based actions are checked constantly, and the creature will be put into the graveyard before the indestructible ability can save it.

11. Does trample damage carry over when blocking an indestructible creature?

Yes, you must assign lethal damage to the indestructible creature and then trample the remaining damage.

12. Can I sacrifice an indestructible creature?

Yes, you can. Indestructible prevents it from being destroyed, but not from you sacrificing it.

13. Does indestructible stop minus counters?

Indestructible only prevents dying to lethal damage and destroy effects. -X/-X effects, both counters and continuous, still kill it. Indestructible means can’t be destroyed.

14. Does first strike beat Deathtouch?

A creature with first strike will hit first, and can possibly kill the deathtouch creature before it has a chance to hit. If it does, then the deathtouch creature dies, and nothing happens to the first strike creature. In order for deathtouch to do anything, the creature has to hit first.

15. Does Hexproof stop Deathtouch?

Hexproof means the creature can’t be the target spells or abilities your opponent’s control. Death touch means that any amount of damage from the source will be lethal damage. Death touch doesn’t target, so hexproof doesn’t prevent it.

Mastering the Game

Understanding the intricacies of rules interactions like indestructible and 0/0 is essential for becoming a skilled Magic player. It allows you to make informed decisions during gameplay and to build stronger, more resilient decks. MTG is a game of deep strategy and complex interactions, so continue to learn and explore the rules. Many organizations work to use games as learning tools. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to learn more about the benefits of incorporating games into the learning process.